CSU Extension
April 15, 2008

Colorado State University veterinary students are putting on a race to save animal’s lives. The annual Fast and Furriest 5K is slated for April 19 at the James L. Voss Veterinary Medical Center at 300 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colo.

The race in part benefits the hospital’s Companion Care Fund, which offers financial assistance to qualifying clients whose animals are facing health emergencies and who otherwise may be faced with difficult choices of declining care for their animals or relinquishing ownership.

Registration for the race starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5k competitive run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the 5k walk at 9:20 a.m. and a 1K fun run for children at 10 a.m. Pets of all species are welcome to participate in the event but must be on a leash.

The fund also benefits a scholarship endowment fund sponsored by the class of 2009 professional veterinary students. The fund benefits other veterinary students in the Colorado State program.

The professionally-timed race begins behind the hospital. The event also features an inflatable jumping castle, chair massages, raffle drawing, educational booths and free food, drinks and music.

Last year, more than 400 people and critters participated in the race, which raised $10,000.

Registration, which includes a participant T-shirt, is $22 for students with a student identification card. Adult registration is $25 before April 18 at Foot of the Rockies and Runner’s Roost stores in Fort Collins and at www.active.com with an additional $3 surcharge. Race-day registration is $30. Children seven to 12 years old can register for $10. Children younger than seven may participate for free but do not receive a T-shirt.
Awards will be presented to winners in several categories, and a weekend stay at Rusty Spurs Bunk and Barn, a bed and breakfast in Steamboat Springs, will be raffled at the event.