HENDERSONVILLE – Runners have many options for races in Western North Carolina, but Friday the Bark & Bolt races June 14 were for the dogs.
The 5K (3.1-mile) race, 1-mile run and 100-meter dash, held at Patton Park in Hendersonville, produced by iDaph Events and presented by Hunter Subaru, were tailored to four-legged runners and their families.
“The Bark and Bolt event is truly unique, being the only event in our area designed specifically for dogs and humans to enjoy racing together. Events like this create a special bond and an unforgettable experience for all the participants and pups,” said race director Daphne Kirkwood.
A Bark in the Park Dog Fair kicked off the events, and excited pups mixed and mingled, sprinted and jumped, rolled in the grass or flopped in baby pools as their humans browsed vendor booths or stopped for smoothies. They took breaks from playing with Frisbees or sniffing out treats to run their races and recover in the shade.
Nearly 200 people registered for the second annual event, which included a 100-meter dash for three weight classes, a 1-mile fun run and a 5K in Patton Park and on the Oklawaha Greenway.
Pups took home bandanas, while their humans were presented with a dog tag medal and race shirt. Ribbons were also awarded for the winners of Best in Show, Best Trick, Most Obedient and Best Dressed.
5K winners were: Female runners with a dog: first place, Kimzey Ellis of Asheville in 19 minutes, 53 seconds; second place, Jolanta Cordell of Asheville; and third place, Amy Siegler of Hendersonville.
Male runners with a dog: Henning Wedemeyer of Laurel Park in 25:51; second place, Michael Cline of Asheville; and third place, Adam Smith of Woodfin.
In the 5K women’s race for runners without a dog, winners were: Shannon Colley of Mills River in 21:41; second place, Wendy Koeck of York, South Carolina; and third place, Libby Overstreet of Hendersonville.
Male runners without a dog were: first place, Alonzo Wickers of Los Angeles in 17:11; second place, Blake Smith of Black Mountain; and third place, Jason Capps of Arden.
The event’s community partner was the Blue Ridge Humane Society of Henderson County.
Visit https://idaph.net/bark-and-bolt for more information and full results. Visit blueridgenow.com for more race photos.
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This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Hendersonville, NC Bark and Bolt races went to the dogs
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