Runners, like many athletes, have their routines and rituals. Many must run with music, some have to run alone, and there are runners who enjoy constant companionship when logging the miles. While company and conversation can help keep your mind off the heavy breathing and distance, not all running partners are big talkers, or can talk at all. Dogs are frequent running buddies and they never miss a running date.

Karin Caroline is not a life time runner. She started late in life after becoming a dog owner. Getting her dogs out for exercise soon became her motivation to exercise and now it is a passion. The love for running and dogs runs deep in this town. (Sometimes, to a point of contention as seen in regular letters to local editors about the heavy dog use at local trails.) Karin quickly found many locals who also love to jog with their Rexes, Spots, and Maxes and saw the niche to coordinate events to get these people together while also providing good to the community.

Ms. Caroline founded Bozeman Canine Classic in 2010 to coordinate events with dogs (often running and walking events) that promote healthy canine lifestyles and also provide fund raising and positive exposure for organizations and pet/animal related businesses. If you were to meet her, you will quickly see and feel that her energy and passion for the cause led to her self-motivated innovation to a start Bozeman Canine Classic. She loves her time with dogs and knew she was not the only one who would enjoy a gathering with other active dog lovers. Ms. Caroline has a talent for organizing and planning. She knew she could organize events herself, and that is exactly what she did.
Last year Bozeman Canine Classic partnered with 360⁰ Pet Medical to host the first event, the “Run, Dog. Run!” one mile fun run/walk. With grassroots advertising and word of mouth promoting, the race gathered over 100 participants and 100 dogs. It was a perfect litmus test to not only garner exposure but to gage dog event logistics. In addition, 360⁰ Pet Medical hosted tours of their facility showing dog owners their state of the art physical therapy options, including an underwater treadmill.

May 19th will mark Bozeman Canine Classic’s flagship event, the K9 9K. This will be a 5.5 run and walk and also a 1 mile walk. The event will end in Bogert Park followed by a dog friendly gala including vendors, food, and fun – A Fido Festival. Overall, the festival and event is “to promote the relationship and bond we have with our dogs. To help nurture all the good we get from our pets,” says Ms. Caroline. In effort to do so, free vendor space is available for non-profit organizations to help spread their message and bring awareness to these great organizations. The festival will showcase pet charities and businesses, including K-9 police units, Paws and People Training, and K9 Care of Montana. K9 Care of Montana provides customized outdoor activities for special needs children and wounded veterans. The incorporation of service dogs makes it a very unique program. This is just one of the many incredible non-profit groups that provides so much good to the world that will be able to pass the word on to attendees.

There are clear guidelines and rules for participating in the K9 9K race to which each registrant must review and agree. Certainly, all runners/walkers are welcome, dog or no dog. If you are a petless runner, do not feel excluded, however, the LOVE for dogs is a MUST. This is not a competitive race but it will be timed. Meaning, for runners looking to make serious time, this is might not be the best choice for you, with obstacles including leashed dogs and inevitable dog droppings. Other guidelines include requesting runners to limit two dogs per runner, purely to keep some control of numbers. Retractable leashes are also not allowed for they can just be dangerous with so many legs and paws along a confined course. Lastly, if your dog is anxious around others, either dogs or people, best to keep them at home.

With creative scrutiny and detailed planning, Ms. Caroline has thought of the unique elements that will make the K9 9K different from traditional running events. For example, watering stations for dogs will be every ½ mile and people aid stations at each mile. In addition, each mile marker will be sponsored by a local veterinary professional who will also keep an eye on dog health and performance. At any time if a dog looks overworked or distressed, they will address the situation with the runner. In the spirit of promoting healthy and happy hounds, avoiding injury or exhaustion will be taken seriously. In addition to veterinary sponsorship, Bozeman’s Dee-O-Gee and Bridger Feeds are key sponsors and are providing generous support for the event.

Race registration for the K9 9K can be found at www.racemontana.com. The registration includes a locally designed t-shirt proving your participation and a “schWAG bag” with treats for you and your canine, including extra poop bags, bandanas, leashes, and more. Bozeman Canine Classic puts the WAG in schwag bags! There will be a great raffle afterward for all participants. If you cannot attend the K9 9K this May, other multi-paw events are in the works and will be advertised once confirmed. For more information about the K9 9K, future events, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, look to the www.BozemanCanineClassic.com site or LIKE their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bozemancanineclassic. Otherwise, lace up, leash up, and runners (including the furry type) take your marks on May 19th.

Becky Warren is a Bozeman resident and co-author of Day Hikes with Dogs: Western Montana. She will be participating with her dogs in the 1 mile event for her dogs are now senior power walkers.