MetroPark, ‘Rescue Row’ Part of New Love-A-Stray 5K

Get out those running shoes. A new 5K is being introduced this year and while some may find it to be a run through the (Metro) park, there will be plenty of other recipients of the four-legged variety that benefit the “Fur Fun” race that beneifts animals in both Avon and Avon Lake.

Love-A-Stray founder Connie Field said the race was inspired by volunteer Andrea Scheetz and her husband, Sam, who are runners. The couple also adopted one of the Love-A-Stray dogs a few years ago.

Scheetz said she began running in 2010 after losing 50 pounds and completed her first triathlon last year. She said the Love-A-Stray 5K idea came after realizing how many similar races are run.

“I figured it couldn't be that hard and it had to be profitable if so many did it,” she said. “The entire thing quickly grew and grew and grew until we have this Sunday's Fur Fun Event.”

Racers will not leave empty handed. Food is being provided for them by Earth Fare, Trader Joes, Dunkin Donuts, and Caribou Coffee and participants will get a T-shirt, a free massage from Stags Family Wellness, water bottle,and a goody bag full of coupons. Awards are being provided by Active Runner of Strongsville.  The dog walkers will get all the same food and a goody bag full of more dog-related items. The event will also feature a DJ, raffle and door prizes.

The course starts at the Avon Lake Towne Center, crosses SR 83 into The Landings, winds through some neighborhood streets, and then goes through both the South Loop Trail and Armour Trail in the before returning to the Towne Center. 

“We are very excited for this big event and the opportunity to raise much needed funds for Love-A-Stray with a venue where many rescue dogs can be available for adoption as well,” she said. “We hope to get a large turn out since there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

'Rescue Row' introduced

Love-A-Stray is also banking on the power of numbers to help place more dogs and has created “Rescue Row.”

“We have invited nine other non-profit, no-kill, all volunteer rescue groups to set up a booth and bring their available dogs for adoption and information about their rescue group to help more dogs find homes,” Field said. “So there will be a "row" of rescue groups at the event.”    

Organizations include FIDO's Companion, GRIN Rescue, Lighthouse Boxer Rescue, Weeping Willow German Shepherd Sanctuary and Rescue, Berea Rescue, Pug Rescue, Rowdy to the Rescue, Cosmo's Buddies and Love-A-Stray Rescue.

Raffle and Registration

More than 30 items will be raffled from venues including memberships, gift certificate, Erie Adventures Sportfishing Charter, North Ridge Racquet Club Membership, JAX Clothing Store, Dinner at , Certificates for Legacy Golf Course, Grateful Dog Bakery, , autographed items from Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Cavaliers, local salon certificates and more.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. The 5K race (chip timed) begins at 9 a.m., and the 1, 2 or 3-mile dog walk at 10:30 a.m.  Go to Hermes Road Racing to register online or print registration form.

For the 5K: Register for $20 online by 9 a.m. on April 27 for 5,. All mail-ins must be received by the 25th. Cost is $25 for the day of the race. Registering for the dog walk is mail or race day only. Registration forms are available online and must be received by April 25. Cost is $12 per family, up to 5 people. Cost is $15 the day of race.