K9 meets 5k in dog jog

(CARE): As the saying goes – Every dog has his day – and for many of Cayman’s dogs, that day was Sunday, 13 February.The occasion was the presentation of the 2011 K9/5K FUN RUN/DOG JOG, organized by Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts (CARE), in association with St.Mathew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine and the SMU Chapter of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition. There were dogs everywhere, many breeds and sizes,some spirited, some lackadaisical, but all were under control. Excitement was in the air prior to the start, with some owners and handlers more flustered than their charges.

40 canine starters joined approximately 140 two-legged participants in a five-kilometer frolic…. and the results proved as intriguing as the activity itself. Derek Larner took first-place honours in a time of 19:04, a mere second ahead of running partner David Shibli. Third-place also went to David Shibli – David Shibli Jr,that is. Junior trailed Dear Old Dad by a substantial margin,as he clocked 20:46. Marco Miranda’s 22:15 mark was good for sixth spot, and Brad Marquardt garnered the final men’s performance award one position back in 22:35.

An extraordinary effort was turned in by race favorite Wiggles, who led Shaun Green to a fast-paced 21:31 performance and the fourth overall posting.

Emily Davies crossed the line fifth overall to lead the lady finishers. Her time was 21:36. Other performance award winners in this category were Emma Byrnes (9th-22:46), Saskia Lawrence (14th-25:00), Sarah Bourke (17th-25:27) and Maria Leonce (20th-26:48).

Claire Hughes, accompanied by Koda, also turned in an outstanding placement in finishing eighteenth in 25:52, to end the contest as fastest lady with a dog attached.

Quickest SMU student was Tom Walsh, sixteenth overall with a 25:17 effort, with Tiffany Gisel claiming that honour in the ladies division(28th-31:59).

All participants were eligible for random prizes and a large number were awarded to lucky recipients. Everyone present enjoyed post-event refreshments.

Lesley Agostinelli of CARE was enthusiastic in her remarks about the event, proceeds of which will be used to continue the spay and neuter programmes of the organization. She thanked BRITCAY, sponsors of the unique shirts, CAYMAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL for the fantastic prizes and other contributors to hydration and various other requirements. Additionally, she expressed her gratitude to the many volunteers and officials, and to all participants-residents and visitors – and spectators.