Contestants crowd around the starting line at the outset of the Pup Ruck 5K Sunday. (Sarah
Stanley/WUFT News)
The Pets and Patriots Foundation hosted the Pup Ruck 5K Run/Walk charity event at Depot Park in Gainesville on Sunday. The foundation provides service dogs to veterans with PTSD in North Central Florida.
The first start for the 5K was at 2 p.m. for those running and 2:15 p.m. for those walking. Contestants were encouraged to run or walk at their own pace. There were prizes for first, second and third fastest race times.
After runners and walkers had completed the 5K, contests were held for the biggest and smallest dogs.
Pez smiles for the camera in her Wonder Woman costume at the Pup Ruck 5K Sunday. Her owner said Pez would not be competing in the run. (Sarah Stanley/WUFT News)
Beckham takes in all of the excitement of the Pup Ruck 5K on Sunday while his owner pats him to calm him down. (Sarah Stanley/WUFT News)
Sarah Martin (left) shows off her pop art collection outside of the Boxcar Wine & Beer Garden during the Pup Ruck 5K Sunday. (Sarah Stanley/WUFT News)
A vendor prepares a bowl of ice cream using liquid nitrogen at the Endless Summer Ice Cream Co. stand at the Pup Ruck 5K Sunday. (Sarah Stanley/WUFT News)
A display of O’Berry’s Succulents sits outside the Boxcar Wine & Beer Garden during the Pup Ruck 5K Sunday. (Sarah Stanley/WUFT News)