Ryley's Run Across America 2007

June 23, 2007 < Photos >- A milestone for Canine Rescue was achieved. It all started in 2006 when the 1st Annual Ryley’s Run was organized and held on the campus of SUNY and devoted dog owners responded by showing up in the droves to support Ryley and the cause in his name. All the proceeds from that first run went to pay the vet bill for this abandoned Golden Retriever who has since become the namesake for this event. The excitement and devotion to canine rescue reached new heights in 2007 when Albany extended the invitation to Sacramento, CA, to join them in hosting a same day event. Thus was born the East Coast – West Coast Ryley’s Run extravaganza.

The East Coast started things out the night before with a goodie bag stuffing party and hor’de’vous for all the volunteers. Participants from every region in the East showed up to help and have a chance to win Ryley’s Rescue Quilt. The quilt is a beautiful handmade work of art which portrays pictures of rescued Golden Retrievers and the date they all found their loving “forever” homes. This year the quilt was won by Rob and he has proudly found a place of honor in his home to show it.

Sacramento’s Ryley’s Run started with a nice cool morning and hundreds of dog owners showing up to register and participate. Over 60 volunteers manned the registration tables, water stations, & first aid posts. At 8:45am the 5K run/2K Walk with your dog officially got under way on the campus of American River Junior College. Approx. 20 minutes later the first runner was across followed closely by the 1st runner with a dog. Everyone was treated to cool water, snacks, and goodie bags. Over 25 vendors from canine oriented businesses were on hand showing support for the runners and local rescue groups. Frisbee dog performers, a local DJ providing music and Channel 31 TV all gave everyone involved a wonderful venue. As the West Coast was winding down the East Coast was just getting started.

Once again the event was held on the spacious and beautiful SUNY campus. SUNY provided street closure so all the runners and walkers could have a safe and memorable day. The weather was perfect, the water was ice cold, and the tail’s were a-waggin as over 225 dogs with their humans attached started the Run. Giant raffle prizes, refreshments, entertainment, local TV and radio, all combined to once again make this a success and tribute to Ryley. Special prizes were awarded, commemorative Ryley’s Run vests were proudly worn by some of the 4 legged walkers, and once again donations were plentiful.

Ryley’s Run is now a 501(c) 3 registered non-profit. The motto for Ryley’s Run is a simple one – “It’s About The Dogs”. This year’s events were helped sponsored by Dirk’s Fund of St. Louis and Homeward Bound GRR of Sacramento. These 2 organizations best exemplify Ryley’s Run motto. Time and time again they continue to concentrate on the most important part of the equation in canine rescue – the dogs. Ryley’s Run is proud and privileged to have these two great rescue groups involved with this annual event.