Boosters of the Point Loma High School cross-country team are in final preparation for the second annual “Hungry Dog Dash,” a family event to be held at Liberty Station on Sunday, Feb. 3. And after last year’s highly successful inaugural event, the 2013 edition promises to be bigger and better. Organizers are encouraging entry by teams made up of elementary-school students and parents to challenge Barnard and Sunset View Elementary Schools, who entered the first race. The featured event, a 5K run/walk, begins at 8 a.m., but there is another option that should attract its own crowd. The “Poker Run,” built into the main run, is designed to add extra excitement to the day’s festivities. Organizers report the “Poker Run” is also an excuse to stop and chat along the course. Those wishing to enter the “Poker Run” register at a marked table before the 5K start, where they will receive details of the needed stops and a scorecard to be filled out as they progress. At each stop, contestants will either be dealt a card or draw one randomly. The card is recorded on the scorecard by an event official, with each person’s “playing hand” being scored at race’s end, with the best five-card poker hand taking home a prize. Registration for the “Poker Run” is $10 per person, and no extra card-buying or trading is allowed. Team boosters are planning food, drinks and fun for everyone, including the four-legged, furry variety. No in-line skates, skateboards or bicycles will be allowed on the course. The “Hungry Dog Dash” has gained a reputation as an event that attracts everyone from families looking for sun and fun to more-serious runners lured by advertising in Raceplace Magazine and San Diego Track and Field Club. More than 60 members of the boys’ and girls’ Pointer cross-country teams assist with planning and conducting the event. Registration fees are $25 (youth under 18) and $30 (adults), which include an official race T-shirt and a unique “Dog Tag” for all finishers. Divisions include separate male and female groups in the following ages: • 10 and under • 11-13 • 14-17 • 18-29 • 30-39 • 40-49 • 50-59 • 60 and over Awards will go to the top three finishers in each division. Organizers advise this is a rain-or-shine event and suggest parking on the west side of Cushing Road in Liberty Station. Keith DeLong is the head varsity coach of PLHS cross-country teams. For more information, email [email protected] or visit the race website at www.hungrydogdash.org.
