Health Challenge: Dog Days Run

October 3, 2007

WHAT: One Health Challenge: Dog Days Run

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s student chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association is sponsoring the One Health Challenge: Dog Days Run in conjunction with the Florida Track Club. The event features a 5K race followed by a 1-mile fun run for dogs and their owners at Westside Park. Awards will be given to the overall winner for dogs weighing up to 40 pounds and for dogs 40 pounds and over. Also, awards will be given in categories such as Dog and Owner Look-Alike, Slowest Dog, Smallest Dog, Biggest Dog and Cutest Dog. Walkers are welcome.

The band Morningbell, which includes several UF veterinary student members, will perform after the Dog Run. This year a portion of the proceeds raised through participant registration will be given to the Alliance for Rabies Control. The event is one of several that have been planned nationwide by numerous veterinary student groups and others as part of the inaugural World Rabies Day initiative, aimed at mobilizing awareness and resources in support of human rabies prevention and animal rabies control.

WHEN: The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, followed by the Dog Run at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Activities will begin poolside at Westside Park, located at Northwest 31st Drive, Gainesville

NOTE: For more specific registration information, go to www.active.com.

CONTACT: For more information, call Sarah Carey, 352-392-2213, ext. 5206 or e-mailcareys@.vetmed.ufl.edu.