STEVENSVILLE, Md. – February 23, 2023 – Get Pumped! for Pets 5K/10K/15K to benefit local pet shelters is set to take place Sunday, March 26 the on the Kent Island Cross Island Trail. The event is put on by the Kent Island Running Group (KIRG) and funds the Get Pumped For Pets Foundation, an entity providing funds to local animal rescue organizations.

The race is in its 13 the year and is a popular event for many reasons. KIRG President, Kirsten Strohmer, explained: “people can choose from three distances our race director Peter Claggett has put together, which are priced accordingly. The awards for overall male and female in each distance are real collector’s items – hand-thrown mugs by Skip Sensbach, our club secretary. Also, the 15K is a Maryland RRCA Grand Prix Series race, so for runners taking part in the Grand Prix, it counts as one of four races one must complete to be eligible for an award. Everything about this event is truly fabulous.”

As for where the funds go, Tori Rosati of the Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne’s County, past recipient of a grant from the foundation, commented: “we were able to build a barn that serves our rescue farm animals with weather protection and comfort. Without this grant building our new barn would not have been possible.”

Get Pumped for Pets! 5K/10K/15K starts at Terrapin Park at 191 Log Canoe Circle in the Chesapeake Bay Business Park in Stevensville. There are three distances from which to choose, 5K, 10K, or 15K, as well as a virtual option. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate, as are walkers. Due to course safety, participants may not run with strollers or pets. To register for either the live race or the virtual option, go to runsignup.com and search Get Pumped For Pets. In addition to runner participation, it is sponsored by various community businesses in Queen Anne’s and Talbot couties.