OkcPets Magazine March 2022

March/April 2022 • OKC Pets 27 Woof Walk Redbud Classic Welcomes Dogs by Heide Brandes T he Redbud Classic returns to Okla- homa City this April to celebrate its 39th year, and for the first time ever, dogs can show off their support during the inaugural Woof Walk. The Redbud Classic is Oklahoma City’s traditional running and cycling event, and registration is open for all events on April 2–3 in the Nichols Hills neighborhood of Oklahoma City. Although the event was held virtually in 2021, the idea of involving dogs and including a walk just for canine participants harkens back to 2019. “We have never had the Woof Walk in person. So this is our first ever Woof Walk, and we’re hoping to have a pet adoption or- ganization. “The Woof Walk was actually a LOYAL (Leadership OKC) brainchild. We had never allowed dogs for liability reasons on our actual 5K and 10K courses or even the two-mile walk. So we thought it would be fun to piggyback it with our kids’ event on Saturday.” Hersom added, “Everyone we have talked to is really excited because there are so many dog and dog-friendly businesses. We’re hop- ing to have a pet adoption organization out to show that there are lots of furry friends that need homes.” On April 2, the one-mile Woof Walk will be held at 12:30, immediately after the one-mile Kids’ Fun Run at noon. Registra- tion costs $15 per dog, and each owner will receive a medal and a bandanna for the pet. Dogs are required to be leashed at all times, with no retractable leashes allowed. “You also need to make sure that your dogs are well behaved and have been accus- tomed to being around other dogs, crowds, and noisy environments,” Hersom said. Beneficial for Families The 2022 Redbud Classic features events for the whole family starting on April 2 with 10-mile and 30-mile bike tours, a 50-mile fondo, and a one-mile Kids’ Fun Run, in addition to the inaugural one-mile Woof Walk. The events will continue on April 3 with 5K and 10K timed runs, 5K wheel- chair event, a 5K, a two-mile walk, and a two-mile Baby Stroller Derby. The Redbud Classic events continue past the finish line with the Redbud BASH to be held at noon April 3 in the finish area at Nichols Hills Plaza. A variety of food from some of Oklahoma’s premier food trucks will be served, along with beverages from COOP Ale Works and other sponsors, free family-friendly games and activities, music, and other entertainment. Each year, the Redbud Foundation board of directors selects an Oklahoma City nonprofit organization as a partner and the beneficiary of event proceeds. Annu- ally, multiple agencies apply as potential beneficiaries. The CARE Center, a nonprof- it organization with a mission to prevent child abuse and provide opportunities for healing and hope for children in Oklahoma County, was selected to serve as the 2022 beneficiary. The CARE Center, Oklahoma County’s only child advocacy center, has two abuse prevention programs and focuses on devel- oping an environment where children can begin to heal through holistic care. “We are elated to have been chosen as Redbud’s beneficiary this year and look forward to our partnership as it will help us provide the services that children and families need to confront and overcome abuse and neglect,” Camden Ottaviani, CARE Center director of development and communications, said in a press release. “We work to provide each individual who comes through our doors with the tools and resources they need to alleviate any barriers so healing can become top priority.” Hersom said, “After so many canceled, postponed, and virtual community events throughout the past two years, we are looking forward to safely bringing the com- munity together in support of the CARE Center. They have made such a difference in our community, and we’re thankful for the opportunity we have to give back to our city in this way. Calling All Canines “We’re hoping for about 200 dogs this year,” Hersom said. “We would love it if people dressed up their dogs, but everyone will get a bandanna for the dog and a medal for themselves. We just want everybody to come out, and we hope we will have great weather.” Runners, walkers, and the public can reg- ister early at www.redbud.org to receive the lowest available registration prices, a choice of T-shirt size, and a timing tag. For complete event details including start times, course maps, and registration infor- mation, visit www.redbud.org.