Runners (l–r) Mark Salley, his wife, Jane, 12–year–old Jackson, nine–year–old Eliza and their dog, Tilly, all competed in the 5K on June 5. “She’s the best dog in the world,” said Mark of his lab. The Humane Society hosted a brand new fundraiser “See Spot Run 5K Run/Walk and 1K–9 Fun Walk” on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Riverfront Park in Downtown Columbia.

The 5K race began at 8 a.m., and the 1K started at 8:15 a.m. with awards, massages at the finish line, refreshments, door prizes, vendor booths and live music by Adam Cullum following. The USAF certified race course included Huger Street, Gervais Street, Highway 12, and Laurel Street (including two scenic bridges with rolling hills).

The Awards Ceremony included male and female awards for the Top Three Racers, Overall Male and Female Winners, Top Three in each age division, and the Top Three 5K Dog Racers.

Jason Dimery wins in the category of Male Overall Winners. After the 5K and 1K finishes at 9am, there was an Awards Ceremony with Katie Williams from WACH FOX 57. Beginning at 10 a.m., there was live music from Adam Cullum until 12 p.m. Post race activities included massages at the finish line by Carolina Massage, vendor booths, demonstrations from the SC K–9 Academy, hot dogs for sale, door prizes, and games for the kids.

The Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non–profit, Section 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1902 to address animal welfare issues in central South Carolina. Since that time, The Humane Society has evolved into an organization focused on ending animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation through spay/neuter surgeries and cruelty investigations. The Humane Society receives no government funding and is entirely supported through operations of its spay/neuter clinic and through generous donations from caring individuals like you.

Diana Fladungy of Carolina Massage workson Meredith Engler, who just completed her second 5k run ever. For more information, contact The Humane Society, I 121 Humane Lane I, Columbia, SC 29209 or 803.783.1267 x 17 I krenfroe@humanesc.org.

The event had 318 pre–registered, and 86 walk ups and over 80 volunteers as well.
Zoe and Dottie help Jane Hightower with Greyhound Pets of America.
Dogs stop on one of the watering holes.