9-17-2024 4:48am

LAST CHANCE TO

Jeff Barto Editor

Heads & Tails 5K/Doggie Dash Returning to Owings Mills, Sept. 22

Community Fundraiser Supports Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Reed's Rescue

PIKESVILLE, Md. – Grab your running shoes and a leash for your pooch and join The Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) for its largest fundraiser of the year! The 2024 Heads & Tails 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Dash takes place Sunday, Sept. 22, at Garrison Forest School (300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117).

Approximately 450 runners, volunteers and canine companions are expected to gather for this family-friendly event, which features a Pre-Race Warmup, 5K Run/Walk, Doggie Dash, Pet Festival, Vendor Village, Hot Breakfast from Apple Spice, Kid’s Korner, Pug Mug Station, a DJ and more!

On-site registration opens at 7:30 a.m. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and travels along a rolling course. Adults, kids and dogs at all fitness levels can participate in this timed race. Race t-shirts are guaranteed for the first 300 runners. The top three male and female finishers in various age groups (from 12 and under to 70 and older) will win custom drinkware from PrintInk and a signature commemorative 5K coin.

The Doggie Dash half-mile "fun run" kicks off at 10 a.m. along a short grassy course. Kids and adults can run, walk or jog at their own pace with their leashed dog. They will be cheered on by the event’s Doggie Dash Mascot, which will be the winner of a design contest at Garrison Forest School. All registered “Dashers” and their dogs will receive a race bib, plus all participating dogs will receive a Tito’s doggie bandana. Fun pet prizes also will be awarded to the first, second and third place pups.

Individuals and teams also can win prizes generously for reaching various Peer-to-Peer fundraising milestones for Reed's Rescue – a Northern Baltimore County non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs of senior age or deemed to be terminally ill from area shelters, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of decompensating in the shelter environment.

Those interested in forming a team of five or more (business/corporate/friends/family, etc.) can easily sign up on the event registration page and are encouraged to get creative with team themes. As an incentive, GBCC will post team video clips on social media leading up to the event.

Online registration is available at www.headsandtails5k.com with entry fees as follows:

Adult 5K Registration through Aug. 31: $40 (one runner; or, one runner plus one dog)
Adult 5K Registration Sept. 1-22: $50 (one runner; or, one runner plus one dog)
Kid's 5K Registration: $25 – Ages 12 and under (includes a cotton t-shirt) – discount applied at check-out.
Adult Doggie Dash Registration: $25 through Aug. 31; $35 Sept. 1- Race Day (one dasher; or, one dasher plus one dog)
Kids Doggie Registration: $15 – Ages 12 and under (Cotton t-shirt can be purchased during registration for $10.)
Teams will receive a $5 discount. For more information about forming a team and registering, contact 5K Committee Team Lead Brent Mangum at brent@davidsbrown.com.

The fees include race entry, bottled water, snacks, breakfast, race shirts/bibbs, access to the Vendor Village and Kids Korner, and entry to prize drawings for gift certificates, gift baskets and more – courtesy of Presenting Sponsor McCormick Auto Body and additional event sponsors, such as Garrison Forest School, Heidi Marie Bell Photography, Trout Daniel & Associates, VEG, Rehab2Perform, Element Fleet Management, PNC, Galeone Photographers & Color Lab and Baron’s K9 in Glyndon.

Event proceeds support the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to enhance the growth and prosperity of our local business community. Donors also can go on the event’s webpage to raise funds for Reed's Rescue – a Northern Baltimore County non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs of senior age or deemed to be terminally ill from area shelters, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of decompensating in the shelter environment.

“We encourage area residents, visitors and businesses to come out for the Heads & Tails 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Dash – a fun family event for humans and canines alike that directly benefits the community,” said 5K committee co-chair, Heidi Marie Bell (photographer/owner/visual content creator at Heidi Marie Bell Photography).

About the GBCC
Serving more than 300 businesses and non-profits and schools in Pikesville, Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Northwest Baltimore and the surrounding areas, the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce promotes business, enhances economic well-being and fosters community development. A 501(c)(6) business association, the GBCC works in partnership with local business, government and community stakeholders to create a Greater Baltimore that is a great place to live, work and shop. For more information, visit www.greaterbaltimorechamber.org or follow @greaterbaltimorechamber on Facebook and Instagram.