Bark at the Park: 5K keeps tails wagging for another year

HARTSVILLE – Come out to Byerly Park Saturday morning for some tail-wagging fun at the Second Annual Bark at the Park 8 a.m. Saturday at Byerly Park in Hartsville.

“My husband enjoys running, as do a lot of others in Hartsville, and there were only a couple events per year in town,” said Tiffany Wilson, event organizer. “I knew the demand for the race would be there.”

Competitive racers, families, or pet owners can participate in the 5K run/walk, which covers a little more than 3 miles. The USATF certified course starts at the circle track at Byerly Park and is part of the 2009 Palmetto Grand Prix. Teams from Darlington County schools are also invited to compete.

Awards will be given for the top two overall male and female in four categories: open, master age 40+, grand master age 50+ and walking division. There will also be awards for the top two male and female finishers in an array of age groups. The first three dogs to come across the finish line will receive a trophy and prize from Gray Oak Boarding and Training.

Not into exercise? That’s ok too.

“People are welcome to come watch the race. Inside the circle track would be a perfect spot to watch the race begin and finish,” Wilson said. “I would bring a chair and maybe an umbrella and sunscreen.”

All net proceeds will go to Darlington County Humane Society. The shelter will also have a booth set up at the event with items such as t-shirts, visors, cookbooks and pet toys for sale. Information will also be available about how individuals can help the shelter and about pet adoption.

The idea for Bark at the Park was born out of the needs of the shelter. Last year, the inaugural event raised more than $5,000 for the shelter.

“I’m an animal lover and wanted to do something to help them out,” said Wilson.

In 2007, the Toast to the Coast shelter fundraiser announced it would no longer exist. Wilson decided Hartsville still needed a community event to replace the funds the Toast raised, so she organized the first Bark at the Park in 2008. The planning took her about six months. The Toast to the Coast has returned for odd-numbered years in 2009, but Wilson continued planning the 5K as an annual event.

“We really enjoy putting on an event that everyone can enjoy: come race competitively, come out as a family or come walk with your dog. All are welcome.”

“We receive generous sponsorship donations from several businesses and individuals, and we thank them for that,” said Wilson. Without those dollars, these types of events would not be possible.

Register for the race by picking up a brochure from the YMCA, online at http://www.rmssports.com/run or http://www.strictlyrunning.com, or 7 to 7:50 a.m. the day of the event.

If you’re going
What: Bark at the Park 2009
When: 8 a.m. Saturday
Where: Byerly Park
Who: Adults, children, pets
Registration: 7 to 7:50 a.m. day of the event, http://www.rmssports.com or http://www.strictlyrunning.com
Web: http://www.darlingtonhumane.com
Info: