Oakland County Parks Trails & Tails 5K is Aug 16 at Independence Oaks

Independence Township, MI – The third annual Tails & Trails 5K promises to be a paws-itively exciting event for dogs, cats, racers and spectators. Sponsored by McLaren Oakland, the race is set for Sunday, Aug. 16 at Independence Oaks County Park.

The Tails and Trails 5K is open to participants of all ages and kicks off at 10 a.m. with a Cat Walk 1K. The 5K race begins a half hour later and will take runners along Independence Oaks’ trails. It will raise money through donations for Great Lakes Dog Rescue and Teacher’s Pet.

“This race means so much to the animal rescues, the adoptable dogs joining us on site, and our entire team who work hard to make it happen. On race day, you’ll also be able to enjoy a caricature artist, local business vendors, and a photo booth. We hope you and your furry companions will join us,” Riley Hayes, Recreation Program Coordinator said.

Cost for the Cat Walk 1K is $15 and includes a goodie bag and medal. Cost for the 5K is $25 and includes a T-shirt and medal. Online registration is encouraged. Dogs and cats are welcome to race alongside their humans, but must have a current license and be kept on a 6-foot leash. Pets are optional to participate.

To register for the Tails & Trails 5K, visit the race website. Donations to support the rescue missions of Teacher’s Pet and Great Lakes Dog Rescue can also be made there. For more information, email HayesR@oakgov.com or view the Tails & Trails 5K flyer.

For those who wish to stretch their legs before the event, Independence Oaks County Park is located at 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. The park is open 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Great Lakes Dog Rescue works to rescue well-tempered, adoptable dogs from animal control facilities and owner-surrenders and provide the shelter and medical care they need until they’re adopted.

Teacher’s Pet is a 501(c)3 that facilitates animal assisted interventions for the benefit of vulnerable populations, including but not limited to adjudicated and at-risk youth. Pairing together with harder-to-adopt, local area shelter dogs, they strive to provide therapeutic gains, vocational training and empowerment in order to build stronger communities and improve dog adoptability.

For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.