This article was featured in WYDaily on 6/16/23.

This year’s FURever Home Race was a celebration for all area runners, walkers and dogs who found their stride all in the name of helping area homeless pets at The Heritage Humane Society become the biggest winners.

Excellent conditions for personal records while helping homeless pets

On Sat., June 10, 2023, pets and people enjoyed an 8k, 5k, one-mile fun run/walk and a vendor village as part of the annual FURever Home Race. The fourth annual event had its most participants ever with nearly 400 participants and their dogs attending. It was a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event.

Participants and onlookers gathered at Jamestown High School. Topped with beautiful weather, the scenic, shady and mostly flat trails of the Greensprings Trail, the Powhatan Creek Trail, and the Virginia Capital Trail, one of the nicest trail networks anywhere as described by Rick Platt with Colonial Road Runners.

Platt shared, “There are good reasons why the FURever 8K and 5K races, and one-mile pet run are among the most popular of the 26 Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix races. There’s something for everyone.”

The vendor village opened at 7 a.m. kicking off the event. Pet and community-related booths and representatives greeted attendees and participants.

The one-mile fun run started at 8 a.m. The top three for the boys were Austin Grant, age 10, Alex Efird, age 9 and Jake Audrik, age 6. For the women, the top three were Svitlana Honcharova, age 25, Sadie Leach, age 9 and Julia Mortier, age 9.

At 8:30 a.m., the 5K started, a race that was for everyone, no matter how fast or slow. Nicholas Primich, 16, of Williamsburg won for the men in 19:14 and Amelia Valenti, 12, of Williamsburg won for the women in 22:04. The race had 43 of the 127 finishers over 50 minutes for the 3.1-mile event. The finish line stayed open for all.

The 8k started at 8:50 a.m. new course records were broken by race winners Evan Leach, 25, of Richmond (25:28) and Emily Honeycutt, 32, of Newport News (31:41). In addition, there were four men’s and four women’s age group records broken from the 108 finishers, with six runners over the national-class age-graded level of 80%, and 18 over the regional class level of 70%.

The event also included pet contests, raffles and giveaways, to keep all entertained until the festivities concluded with the awards around 10:30 a.m.

Participants can see their final race results online. Attendees can also enjoy this online photo gallery. The beautiful photos were taken by Nicole Moyer from Sweet Ellie Photography.

Community collaboration shines bright

FURever Homes Race was helmed by Race Director Dave Berger of Spoke & Art and Rick Platt, President of Colonial Road Runners. The local running group oversaw the timing and coordination of the races.
The event had 21 community sponsors. WY Daily and The Tide Radio, the media sponsors, were represented by Andy Harris and Ashlee Jones who played music for everyone.

Each participant received a complimentary drink ticket that can be redeemed at Spoke + Art Provisions, Alewerks, Billsburg Brewery, Precarious Beer Project, or the Virginia Beer Company.

Representatives from EarthFare attended and the health-focused grocery store donated energy bars, fruit, and bottled water for all of the participants.

Other community partners also made the event a memorable success. Sweet Ellie Photography with professional photographer Nicole Moyer captured photos of the event. Starbucks Williamsburg Marketplace donated iced coffee and tea to the participants. The trainers at GymGuyz did 5-minute warm-up sessions for the participants before each race.

Mark your calendar

• Pet photo contest. Welcome the sunniest season of the year with this Hello Summer Photo Contest with Sweet Ellie Photography beginning June 26.

• Workouts that make a difference. The GymGuyz will be doing the Pups, Butts and Guts workout session in the classroom at The Heritage Humane Society on Sat., June 17 at 8:30 a.m. No need to pre-register, just come with a mat and water.

• Summer Animal Camps. Camps are filling up! There are slots available for the June 26 – 30 camp week of Summer Animal Camp.

• Birthday parties. Make a wish, make a difference when hosting your child’s next birthday party at The Heritage Humane Society. Birthday party reservations are available for select Saturdays through September.

• 2024 FURever Homes Race. Save the date for next year’s FURever Homes Race, already

Is your next running or walking buddy waiting for you to adopt them at the shelter?

This week’s homeless pet spotlights are two of the dogs who were at the FURever Homes Race:

Pippi Longbody. This adorable canine has a heart bigger than her short, stout frame. With her distinctive little legs and luscious black fur, Pippi is a unique and lovable companion. Although her physical appearance may set her apart from the crowd, it’s her spirited personality that truly captures the hearts of everyone she meets. Pippi’s journey began when she was surrendered by an owner who, unfortunately, could no longer provide the care she deserved. But this turn of events led her to find a new chance at happiness. Resilient and full of joy, Pippi’s infectious enthusiasm brightens the lives of those around her. Despite her compact stature, Pippi’s determination knows no bounds. She tackles each day with a spirited energy, ready to explore the world and make new friends. Whether she’s bounding through the park, playing fetch, or curling up for a cozy cuddle, Pippi’s zest for life is contagious.

Pamm. Introducing Pam the lively and lovable Labrador mix who will capture your heart with her playful spirit and endearing personality! Pam is a furry bundle of joy who found her way into the caring arms of The Heritage Humane Society as a stray, captivating everyone with her mischievous nature right from the start. Donning a gorgeous coat of fur, Pam’s mixed heritage adds a unique charm to her appearance. With her expressive brown eyes and an infectious smile, she has a way of melting hearts wherever she goes. Pam’s flamboyant love for life is matched only by her love for the game of fetch. Just give her a ball, and she’ll be over the moon, ready to chase it with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Her tail wags uncontrollably, and her whole body wiggles with joy when she encounters someone new. Pam believes that every person she meets could be a potential friend, and she approaches each interaction with a wagging tail and a heart full of love.

The Heritage Humane Society has more than 230 dogs, cats and small pets currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

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

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