Bozeman Canine Classic, who brought Bozeman the K9-9K in May, is coordinating two events this fall for those who like to gain foot mileage in the company of their furry best friends. The 2nd annual Doggie Dash is a 1 mile fun run (or walk) on Sunday, September 23th and Saturday, October 27th is the Comics for Courage 5K.

The Doggie Dash fun run starts and ends at the 360 Pet Medical Vet Clinic at 338 Gallatin Park Drive and will wander through the East Gallatin Business Park area trails. The event starts at 10:00 am and after the dash the fun continues with contests and a raffle for participants. The Doggie Dash is a terrific opportunity for dog lovers to meet up and support local pet benefiting organizations. An additional event draw is the special appearance of Lil Moe. Lil Moe has achieved local canine fame with his unique ability for cruising on a skateboard and “snowboarding” down local sledding hills. Photo opportunities will be available and potential paw-graphs. The proceeds of the Doggie Dash will go to Heart of the Valley and Livingston’s Stafford animal shelters. Last year over 100 people attended the event and this year is hoping to surpass attendance. It is a $20 registration fee before the event and $25 if registering at the event.

The Comics for Courage 5K is a unique combination of events, beyond racing with your dog. Comics for Courage is a Nationally touring stand-up and improvisation show aired on Comedy Central. The event includes the morning 5K dog friendly run/walk and then an evening comedy show at the Emerson Cultural Center. Proceeds for the 5K and the Comics for Courage performance go to VetDogs and Wounded Warrior Project. This special event is brought to us by Gallatin Veterinary Hospital and partnered with the MSU Air Force ROTC and Bozeman Canine Classic.
The Comics for Courage 5K race starts at 9:00am on October 27th and the course will start at Lindley Park and follow Highland Avenue up around Peet’s Hill and back. The same evening the performance is at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00). The show features acts by Comedy Central’s Christopher Cannon and JJ Gordon from Chicago’s famed improv theater, Second City, and hosted by KMMS’ Mark Allen.

Christopher Cannon founded the non-profit Comics for courage in 2007. Cannon himself served in the military as a Tank Commander in the 1980s. Mr. Cannon went to high school in North Dakota with Bozeman veterinarian, Dr. Mark Albrecht. They also shared times together as summer interns in Washington D.C. for the National Audubon society. Partnering the race and the performance is an ideal opportunity to generate as much participation and awareness as possible, ultimately benefiting Wounded Warrior Project and Vet Dogs. Comics for Courage is not solely about raising funds, but raising awareness of our service members and continuing to honor them.

Wounded Warrior Project provides programs and catered services to assist those injured while serving, in order to honor them and to “foster the most successful, well adjusted generation of service members.” Wounded Warrior Project Programs assist with this goal focusing on programs for self improvement, mentally, physically, but also with career and community involvement.

America’s VetDogs — The Veteran’s K-9 Corps is a nonprofit organization that provides service and guide dogs for injured veterans. Similar to the Wounded Warrior Project, the organization is oriented towards helping those that have served our country to live with dignity and independently. VetDogs services and programs are provided at no cost to veterans or any active military person in need and is dependent on public fund raising efforts.

Register for both races at www.racemontana.com. The Comics for Courage 5K and show is $35. You can register for just race ($25) or just see the show ($12). Show tickets are also on sale at Cactus records. Prices will increase after September 27. Bozeman Canine Classic is known for putting together abundant race bags full of nice schWAG and always a racing shirt to prove you showed your support. Both race events will feature sponsors and booths reflecting the cause. Expect to see participation from local veteran organizations at the Comics for Courage event.
Races require compliance with safety and health first, especially when paws are included. Bozeman Canine Classic, experienced in planning, ensures plenty of watering stations (provided by Bozeman’s local Culligan’s Water) and animal professionals on hand to support a safe experience.
For more information about these events or the Comics for Courage event look into www.bozemancanineclassic.com

Becky Warren is a frequent contributor to Bozeman Magazine. She is the author of Day Hikes with Dogs in Western Montana.