Race for the Rescues 5K/10K

My friends and I did the Race for the Rescues 10K at the Rose Bowl last year. It was their first 10K and my second one, so it was pretty challenging for all of us. But we were successful!
Since it’s located at the Rose Bowl, the race had plenty of parking. We picked up our bibs and shirts that morning and walked around a bit to see the different vendors. I like this race because all the proceeds go to animal welfare organisations. And since this is a race about animals, most of the vendors were pet-​related. I wanted to get some complimentary dog treats for my friend’s furpets, but it seemed like they were only giving it to dogs that were present (but then again, I didn’t ask). There were a good amount of portapotties available for runners to use before and after the race. And after the race, if you are interested in adoption, you could stop by the PHS & SPCA booth where they had some of their available dogs.
The start line wasn’t very organised, however. Since we are slow runners, we just placed ourselves in the third corral. Seamus Dever came out to make a speech, supported by his fellow castmember Jon Huertas. They were cool to see. And then there were some cheerleaders, some other people making announcements… the point is, they didn’t start on time and we ended up just standing at the start line for what seemed like forever (okay, it was more like 15 minutes past the stated start time). For the 10K, you make 2 loops around the Rose Bowl, but it was easy to see where to go after the first loop so we didn’t accidentally cross the finish line. The Rose Bowl Loop Track is relatively flat so this was a nice race to do. The shirt is nice and they provide chip timing; the only downside to this race is that there is no medal. I seriously only race for medals… but in this case, I made an exception since the money is going to a really good cause :)

I’m not sure any single event has changed my life as much as Race for the Rescues has.
First brief notes for the running geeks: it is an extremely well organized race on a pleasant flat course with adequate course supports. They’ve handled their rapid growth well, and run a wonderful event.
And for the bleeding heart animal lovers out there: puppies galore! And kitties, too! And pets in costume! And you can take them home! (Please do!) And the proceeds help so many great organizations save more and more dogs and cats (and horses and bunnies)! So, what’s not to love?
The 5K is a single loop around the Rose Bowl and adjacent golf course; the 10K is two loops. There’s water a little after the one-​mile marker, at the very back of the golf course. Runners with dogs are not allowed in the first wave of runners, so that if you aren’t running with a dog, you don’t have to worry about tripping over leashes. Additional support at the finish line is ample and varied (fruits, bars, etc.), and there’s a great expo and silent auction to check out after the race. Vendors and pet rescue groups abound! The race is a MAJOR fundraiser for LA area rescue groups and is organized by the Rescue Train. There are lots and lots of adoptable pets to meet, both from rescue groups and LA County and Pasadena Humane. And, because the race is held in October, they do a pet adoption showcase featuring some of their adoptables in costumes. It is painfully adorable, and you, like me, might even end up bringing one of them home. (They also have a costume contest for your own pets, too.)
It was the first race I ran. (I’ve gone on to run marathons.) It was the only race I ever placed at. (Admittedly it was smaller in those days, and it was within my age/​gender group only.) It was the race where I met my best friend, my beloved blind dog, at their adoption showcase. And this past year, I intentionally planned a shorter vacation just so that I could run this race — and not long after I got back from vacation, I ended up taking home my other best friend, who had also been featured at the race. For all those reasons, and so much more, this race has changed my life. In return, my participation helped change some pets’ lives — certainly my two, but I’m sure the rescues put my registration fees to good use, too.
I look forward to this race every year. I can’t recommend it enough.