This article was featured in WYDaily on 6/21/24

Area pet lovers raced into summer with the FURever Homes Race benefiting the homeless pets of The Heritage Humane Society. The results are in along with more summer events to participate in while helping to support Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter.

Race results, two new course records

The 5th Annual FURever Homes Race was held on June 15 at Jamestown High School. The sunny race day had 450 participants, 50 more than in 2023, who participated in person or virtually. The Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event also included an 8k, 5k and 1-mile fun run. Participants followed nature-filled paths along Greensprings Trail, Powhatan Trail and the Virginia Capital Trail, all a part of the extensive James City County Parks & Recreation offerings.

The Vendor Village was a bustling hub of participants and supporters and Tide Radio kept the party going with music for all to enjoy. After racers returned, raffle drawings were announced by Kimberly Laska, CAWA, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society. Following, Rick Platt with the Colonial Road Runners emceed the awards ceremony.

There were 409 finishers with 303 racers participating in the 5k or 8k and 106 who crossed the finish line of the one-mile fun run.

Men’s 8k Overall Top 3 Winners

1. Roger Hopper, 33, 27:01

2. Erik Stauderman, 24, 28:25

3. Wilson Mason, 33, 30:22

Women’s 8k Overall Top 3 Winners

1. Emma Rogers, 24, set a new course record of 29:59, besting the old record of 31:41 by Emily Honeycutt, 32, in 2023.

2. Emily Honeycutt, 33 Newport News 32:55

3. Isabella Strumke, 10, set the record for her age group of 33:55

Men’s 5k Overall Top 5 Winners

1. Elliot Bruhl, 17, set a new course record of 17:15, besting the old record of 17:32 by Jacob Warner, 21, in 2020.

2. Aiden Buzek, 16, 19:53

3. Mark Hargrove, 36, 20:07

4. Ephram Stevens, 14, 20:33

5. Gene O’Hallarn, 15, 20:38

Women’s 5k Overall Top 5 Winners

1. Michelle Ballin, 41, 21:49

2. Blythe Kendall, 17, 23:13

3. Erin Davis, 37, 25:29

4. Reva O’Hallarn, 52, 26:10

5. Julianne Davison, 38, 28:00

See all of the race results here for the 5k and 8k run/walk.

There were 21 community sponsors for this year’s race. Earth Fare Williamsburg donated snacks and water to all participants and their representatives attended the event. Starbucks Marketplace provided complimentary iced coffee and iced tea to all participants. Dominion Dogs sold vegan and beef dogs with a variety of themed toppings and donated a portion of sales to The Heritage Humane Society. Participants each received a complimentary drink ticket that can be redeemed at Spoke + Art Provisions Co., Billsburg Brewery, Precarious Beer Project or The Virginia Beer Co., all locally owned and operated businesses.

Nicole Moyer from Sweet Ellie Photography was the professional photographer at the event. Moyer captured special race moments available to view in this event photo album. In the coming weeks, the HHS Facebook page will post a professional video of the race that is being created by Fredericks Photo & Films.

Plan ahead for next year’s FURever Homes Race scheduled for June 14, 2025.

Mark the calendar for more summer fun

• July 13 and 20: Kitten Yoga. Cats are flexible, but the true Gumby-like professionals of the feline world are … kittens! Bring a yoga mat to The Heritage Humane Society on Sat., July 13 or July 20 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. All levels are welcome and modifications will be made. Topping a reinvigorating yoga session, meet adorable kittens. Registration for Kitten Yoga is required and there is a $20 per person donation.

• June 29: Kids Movie Night. Kids, send your parents on a date night and come to The Heritage Humane Society on Saturday, June 29, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for a movie, pizza, popcorn, and a pet-themed educational activity. Registration for Kids Movie Night is required. Children ages six through 12 are welcome and the cost is $20 per child.

• June 24 – Aug. 2: Weekly Summer Animal Camp.  It’s not too late to secure a spot at The Heritage Humane Society’s Summer Animal Camp. Young pet lovers enjoy a week filled with guest speakers, interactive presentations, games, and crafts focused on animal welfare, biology, and conservation. Registration is available now for Summer Animal Camp. Weekly sessions and times vary based on rising first through third graders and rising fourth through sixth graders.

• July 4: Fourth of July Ice Cream Eating Contest for Dogs Nothing says summer like a food-eating contest, except that this one is truly for the dogs! Come out for Fourth of July festivities to Billsburg Brewery including the annual ice cream eating contest for dogs happening at 2 p.m. The contests will enjoy dog-friendly ice cream provided by The Meadows Original Frozen Custard. Dog Ice Cream Eating Contest registration is open now and is first come, first serve. It is $20 per dog to register. People can enter the 50/50 raffle and meet adoptable dogs while enjoying a variety of Williamsburg’s popular beer, delicious food and water views.

Want to join, but don’t have a dog?

The Heritage Humane Society is filled with more adoptable dogs than it has had in years. For pet lovers who would like a more temporary opportunity, the shelter has robust Fido Field Trips, volunteer and fully supported foster volunteer programs.

Nearly 225 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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