The Tug Valley Road Runner Club’s 6th Annual “Cause for Paws 10K/5K/1 Mile Walk” kicks off on Saturday, February 16th, at 9:00am at Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College-Williamson Campus. With three different race routes available, there’s a course for everyone to enjoy.
Leigh Ann Ray, Race Director for Cause for Paws, says this is one of the Tug Valley Road Runners Club’s favorite races, because it’s the only event that allows participants to bring their pets with them!
“We always have a good turnout of fur babies and we are able to help animals in the community that haven’t found their forever homes. It’s a win-win and a lot of fun,” says Ray.
A Race with Heart
Proceeds from the race will benefit Save Our Strays Animal Rescue, a not-for-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Mingo County.
For Leigh Ann and her husband, Chuck, this is a project they hold close to their hearts.
Ray says, “I have always been a huge animal lover. Chuck and I used to do a golf tournament for Save Our Strays. When the mining industry bottomed out, we couldn’t get the support for the tournament like we had in the past. Chuck and I are both members of the Tug Valley Road Runners Club, they do benefit races, so I decided to do the race instead of a golf tournament.”
Cause for Paws has several sponsors this year, one is Karsyn Noe. Karsyn is the ten-year-old daughter of Kyrstyn and Heath Noe. This is her fifth year as a sponsor for the race. Karsyn saves her birthday money each year so she can be a sponsor.
“Karsyn loves animals and wants to help them have a better quality of life while living at the Save Our Strays Shelter. She hopes that one day the animals will find their loving, forever home,” says Kyrstyn Noe.
Other race sponsors are Logan Mingo Area Mental Health, Central Appalachian Veterinary Clinic, Williamson Animal Hospital, Debra Hess, Appalachian Psychological Associates, Living Water Daycare, Teresa McCune, CT Blackburn Insiders Travel, Kathy’s Avon Treasures, Williamson Memorial Hospital, Tug Valley Inn, Paula and David Hatfield, Dr GT Curry, Bud and Anna May, and the Williamson Woman’s Club.
“We can’t thank our sponsors enough,” Ray says. “Their generosity allows us to contribute more money to Save Our Strays and help more animals.”
Also, the club is dedicating this year’s event to the memory of Robin Porter. Ms. Porter passed in July 2018. She was an active member of the community and supporter of the Tug Valley Road Runners Club. She helped countless animals and people alike.
The Details
Registration is currently open for the event. Fees for the one-mile walk and 5K are $20.00 until race day, and $25.00 the day of the race, while the 10K fee is $30.00 until race day and $35.00 the day of the race. Those interested in participating in the event can register in person at the historic Coal House and Williamson Health and Wellness Center. Online registration can be completed at:
More information can be found on the Tug Valley Road Runners Facebook page and the Cause for Paws 2019 event page.
All participants will receive an official race shirt. Finishers will receive a medal and the opportunity to compete for age awards.
For more information about the race or sponsorship opportunities contact Leigh Ann Ray at 606-794-3564
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