OkcPets Magazine July 2021

42 OKC Pets • July/August 2021 2021 Redbud Classic Introducing the 1-Mile Woof Walk L ace up your shoes, fill up your water bottle and grab the dog leash for the 2021 Redbud Classic taking place Sept. 11-12, 2021, in Oklahoma City. The annual event, raising more than $900,000 for local nonprof- its since 1983, features several races, including cycling, running, wheelchair and children’s events. However, for the first time in Redbud Classic history, a 1-Mile Woof Walk will be added to the list of events in 2021. “The inaugural Woof Walk was actually supposed to take place at the 2020 Redbud Classic, but due to the impact that COVID-19 had on our community, the race was canceled,” Redbud Classic Executive Director Kristin Hersom said. “Keeping health and safety top of mind for our 2021 race in September, we are excited to finally experience Redbud with all our tail-wagging, four-legged friends included.” Register your dog for the 1-Mile Woof Walk at this year’s Red- bud Classic to be held Saturday, Sept. 11. Known as Oklahoma City’s esteemed running and cycling tradition, the Redbud Classic is excited to bring fun, fitness and philanthropy back to the community in September. When the event started in 1983, it started out as a 10K and 2-Mile Fun Run. Throughout the years, the Redbud Classic has expanded to include numerous opportunities for families, friends and the entire community, geared for all ages and fitness levels. Events like the 10-/30-/40-Mile Cycling Tours and 50-Mile Fondo allow cyclists of all skills to choose their level while also including events such as the 1-Mile Kids’ Fun Run, 5K and 10K Runs, the new 1-Mile Woof Walk, a 2-Mile Walk, a Baby Stroller Derby, a Team Chal- lenge and the celebratory finale event, the Redbud BASH. “Free to Live Sanctuary will also be at the event with their fur babies to adopt and enjoy live music and food trucks,” Hersom continued. The Woof Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 11 after the 1-Mile Kids’ Fun Run located west of Nichols Hills Plaza at 1203 Sher- wood Lane, starting around 12:30 p.m. A $15 required registration fee per person includes a bandanna for your dog and a medal for you. A waiver must be signed by an adult owner for each dog and minor family member. Treats will be given to all participating dogs, and all dogs must be accompanied by a human walker. A waste collection baggie will be given to each dog walker, and you must pick up after your dogs and dispose of bags in trash receptacles. Only spayed and neutered dogs are allowed. Dogs should be accustomed to crowds, children, noisy environments and other dogs. Dogs are required to be leashed at all times with no retract- able leashes allowed. Dogs are not allowed on Sunday’s race courses but are welcome at Sunday’s Redbud BASH. “We ask that you be aware of your dog’s disposition,” Hersom said. “Some dogs do well with crowds while others may prefer to stay at home. There will be lots of noise, spectators, participants, children and other dogs, so we want to remind all interested Woof Walk participants to be aware of that.” Every year, the Redbud Classic selects a local nonprofit to donate race proceeds to and has done so since the race’s inception in 1983. The Redbud Classic’s 2021 beneficiary is the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League (OKC PAL). OKC PAL was originally planned as the 2020 Redbud Classic beneficiary. The nonprofit provides athletic programs, leadership skills training and service opportunities to the students and schools involved in its programs. OKC PAL has four full-time police officers running programs in designated Oklahoma City Public Schools during school hours. In addition, the organization has afterschool mentoring and martial arts programs as well as elementary athletic programs. For more information, pricing, schedules and race maps, visit redbud.org.