5K in Wheaton Will Raise Money for Animal Sanctuary

Hundreds of runners are expected in Wheaton Sunday for a 5-kilometer road race and mile walk designed to raise money for the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary.

The "Run for the Animals" road race, now in its eighth year, is one of the sanctuary's biggest annual fundraising events. This year, Lisa Berigan, radio host of "Big 100.3 (WBIG-FM)" will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. There will be a warm-up for runners and walkers, free vegan food and prizes for humans and pets alike.

The sanctuary is a 400-acre, non-profit refuge for farm animals and wildlife in Poolesville, Maryland.

Its mission is to care for and rehabilitate neglected, abandoned or unwanted farm animals, and to provide habitat for wildlife. The sanctuary also has educational programs to instruct the public on farm animal and wildlife issues.

"A lot of people know about dog and cat shelters, but they have no idea about farm animals and what happens to them," said Donna Zeigfinger, one of the race organizers.

This year, participants can choose from a 5K runners' course through Wheaton Regional Park, or a one-mile or 1.7-mile walk. Children and pets may join on the walking courses but not on the run.

Those interested in participating can sign up on-line  through midnight tonight; on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pro Feed Pet Nutrition Centers in Rockville; or on race day at Wheaton Regional Park from 7 a.m. until the start of the race at 8:30 a.m.

The registration fee is $28, or $30 on race day.