Who let the dogs out? Hopefully, many East Tennessee dog lovers. Yes, it’s time to lace up those running (or walking) shoes and join your favorite canine companion at the fourth annual Radio Systems Corporation Color Me Mutt Color Run on Saturday, April 27, at NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains.
PARC Foundation, the charitable arm of NASCAR SpeedPark, is partnering with Wilderwood Service Dogs of Maryville, to present the annual event which includes both a 5K timed color run for those with fast feet and a 1-mile color run/walk for pet owners seeking a shorter option. Although both events are dog friendly, you do not need to be a dog owner to participate.
The 5K and 1-Mile events will begin at 8 a.m. All color used during the event is non-toxic and there are multiple water stations for both pets and racers along the route. All participants will receive a t-shirt, commemorative pet bandanna, one package of color and a ticket to NASCAR SpeedPark. The awards ceremony for the 5K will be held immediately following the race with medals awarded to the top male and female winners in each age category.
The Pet Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m.; and gives pets and their owners a chance to show off their true colors and win prizes in categories such as Twinzies (best dog and owner lookalike), Most Original, Best Fictional Character and Home Spun Magic (best homemade costume). Best of Show will be presented to the winner of the four categories as set apart by most obedient. A Vendor Village will be set up at the event featuring homemade arts and crafts, pet-related products and gourmet treats. The Village will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. the day of the race.
The cost for the race is $45 if registered by April 26. Pet owners who don’t, or can’t participate in the one of the races but still want to show off their favorite canine companion can participate in the Pet Parade for a donation of their choosing on the day of the event.
All proceeds from the event will help fund expanded facilities at Pets Without Parents and allow PARC Foundation to continue its mission of strengthening families by positively impacting its community partner organizations in Sevier County.
To register, go to colormemutt.com. To become a vendor, email Brandi Redding at brandi.redding@
