Inaugural ‘Trailwagger’ Race Will Raise Funds for Humane Society

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL
ONEONTA/LAURENS

On Saturday, October 11, the Clark Sports Center and Super Heroes Humane Society are partnering to launch a “Trailwagger” race around Gilbert Lake State Park in Laurens. Proceeds will go to SHHS, which offers a variety of animal and community services. Trailwagger participants can choose between a 3-mile, 5-mile, and combined 8-mile run or walk. The 8-mile can be completed as a team. There will also be a dog walk.

“We’ve been looking to have some bigger signature events for the organization,” said Kristin Kulow, president of the SHHS Board of Directors. “This is exactly the kind of event that we can do annually and continue to grow.”

Event organizers say to go to the main entrance of the park by 9 a.m., and prefer participants register ahead of time at TheTrailwagger.ItsYourRace.com.

“Come run or walk the trails during peak foliage colors!” reads the Facebook event post.

Entry fees range from $28.50 per person for the dog walk to $46.45 for a single person 8-mile race, with discounts for group registration. Racers who register by Monday, September 29 will receive a free T-shirt, and pups at the race will receive a bandana.

Kulow credited CSC Special Events Director Doug McCoy with the idea for the event.

“He saw the opportunity for us, so that was great,” she said.

SHHS has five staff and many more volunteers. Race proceeds will be used to support the group’s work, organizers say. That includes sheltering cats and dogs for adoption, managing a foster program, running a pet food pantry, and neutering cats. According to SHHS’s website, the rural Oneonta organization has taken more than 1,200 animals into their care over the last three years. SHHS also offers temporary boarding for community members in crisis.

The group moved into a new and improved facility last year after a successful fundraising drive. The second phase of renovations will require another $500,000.00, Kulow said.

At about 2 p.m. on race day, there will also be a separate “Trunk or Treat” Halloween event in the park. It will include decorated trunks for trick-or-treating, s’mores and BBQ, and a costume contest, according to the park’s Facebook page.

To register for and learn more about the Trailwagger race, visit TheTrailwagger.ItsYourRace.com.