How to sweat to save Philly pets

Everyone can use a little help, especially our furry friends. There are a few institutions in the City of Brotherly Love who are dedicated to helping Philly pets any way they can, but they also in turn couldn’t do what they do without the support of the community—and one special event is back in person this year to help do just that. 

Main Line Animal Rescue, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania SPCA, will host the 10th Annual Tails & Trails 5K Run/2K Walk, sponsored by Audi West Chester, on Saturday, June 5, in Phoenixville. Main Line’s official mission statement on their website reads: “Everything we do is with an intense focus on eliminating the systemic issues that lead to animal abuse and pet homelessness. When seeing the heartbreaking effects of a flawed system, nothing motivates like the desire for change.”

Now Philadelphians can be a part of that change. 

According to the release, the event, which starts at 9 a.m., has become a staple for animal lovers across the Delaware Valley. The run/walk invites athletes of all abilities to come together to support MLAR’s mission to save abused, unwanted and abandoned animals and ultimately find them new, safe and loving homes. With the current safety protocols in place, and the limited amount of registrations available, participants are encouraged to register in advance. Walk-up registration may also be available.

“The race/walk is set on a cross-country course that traverses the hills of MLAR and offers views of our beautiful 60-acre farm,” says Maura Murphy, Director of Special Events for the PSPCA. Murphy also says that the 3.1-mile race isn’t flat, but there’s also an after-party with a socially distanced beer garden featuring Root Down Brewery, food from The Clean Plate Club food truck, raffles, adoptable animals, music and more to help fuel your workout. 

“Kid-friendly dogs and dog-friendly kids are welcome to participate,” she continues. “We are so looking forward to getting back together again, but this year we are also offering a virtual option should folks want to participate in their neighborhood, on their favorite trails, or simply aren’t ready to come to a larger gathering just yet.”

Those runners and walkers who choose the virtual route can participate in their own home, neighborhood, or on a course of their choosing. Any way you choose to participate is essential to help Main Line’s mission of saving animal lives.

“All of MLAR’s and the PSPCA’s financial support comes from the generosity of donors supporting events just like these,” says Murphy. “We do not receive any state or federal funding to support our lifesaving work. Special events like Tails and Trails are extremely important to our ability to continue to enrich the lives of both the animals for which we care and the families who we serve.” 

The race on June 5 isn’t the only way that Philadelphians can get involved, however. 

Additionally, Main Line and the PSPCA are also inviting cycling enthusiasts to participate in their Handlebarks event, which is also virtual. The event is in full swing now until May 17, and to participate, cyclists can ride anytime, anywhere (even at home on their bikes), choosing their preferred distance while helping to save animals’ lives. Registration can be done in minutes by signing up online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Phoenixville/handlebarks

“We love this work, and it is our honor to do it. We hope that friends, families, and animal lovers from all over the Delaware Valley will come out for the inspiring morning. Interested individuals can sign up at mlar.org/tailsandtrails. We have several sponsorship opportunities available for corporations and/or individuals who would like to support us in that manner,” finishes Murphy. “For those unable to participate, they can still donate in support of Tails and Trials and MLAR. All of us, and all of our animals thank you.” 

For more information, visit mlar.org