Paws and Claws Port Douglas, Cairns Road Runners and Cairns Regional Council are joining forces to raise money for Paws and Claws’ new animal care facility, with a dog-friendly fun run and family fun day on Saturday, April 20.

Paws on the Run is a Cairns Road Runners initiative consisting of two courses –  a seven kilometre run for adults and dogs and a two kilometre walk and run open to humans of all ages and their dogs.

It will start at the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club and finish at Market Park, opposite the Court House Hotel. Bark in the Park will be held at Market Park & will provide something for all of the family including four-legged furry friends.

Event co-ordinator, Liz Need, said she expected a strong turn-out for both events.

“With events such as cane toad racing and the highly-acclaimed pet talent competition, So You Think You Can Bark, there is something sure to appeal to everyone,” Liz said.

Paws and Claws is a not-for-profit organisation in desperate need of a new facility to house local homeless animals and provide boarding kennels to homed animals. The new facility requires the organisation to raise $350,000 in order to develop the 4000sqm land located at Craiglie, which was donated by a local development company. RECS Consulting Engineers and Building Designers and Builders designed and documented the new facility free of charge.

“We have received many generous donations from local businesses in the region who want to support Paws and Claws,” Liz said.

“(Manager) Bianca and the team do an amazing job to care for these animals and this money goes a long way in helping us achieve our goals."  

The event aims to raise $10,000 through fun run entries, raffle tickets and donations. Registration is $15 for adults, $5 for children and $30 for families. Children in prams are free. All money raised from the fun run registrations, event and competition registrations and raffle will be going towards the new facility.

Bark in the Park will have several stalls to entertain the family, including two ‘dog agility’ demonstrations, Wheelie Good Coffee, a cupcake and sausage sizzle stand, music, micro-chipping by Hand on Healing, as well as the raffle, random prize draws and free doggy gift bags. Hands on Healing have also kindly offering 100 free leads to be given away on the day.

Check in starts at 7.30am and the fun run starts at 8am with Bark in the Park commencing at 8.30am.

Register online for the fun run at www.roadrunners.org.au