Lace-up your runners and get your furry friends hyped for a run or walk. From May 22 - June 4, Humane Society

Yukon will be hosting its inaugural Klondike Gold Ruff Virtual Run. The run is to raise funds and awareness for animal welfare in the Yukon.

The race was originally planned to be an in-person marathon. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it had to be switched to a virtual event.

Humane Society Yukon president Michael Lydon noticed the popularity of runs in the territory having done many himself. Because Yukoners love the outdoors and their animals, the idea for the race was born.

Registration for the event has already opened. Prospective runners will have three distance options when they sign up – five and 10 kilometres as well as a half marathon.

Once registered, runners can complete their chosen distance on any surface they wish, said race director Morgan Chaddock.

“Pick your route and go wherever you like,” said Chaddock.

Chaddock said they may use an app to log run distances. For now, once the run is complete results can be submitted to the race roster website.

When Chaddock spoke to the Star, he said 25 people had already registered and they are anticipating getting around 200 runners.

If the inaugural virtual run is a hit, Chaddock said the plan will be to make it an in-person event once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Humane Society Yukon’s mission is to help animals in need, to give them a safe warm place to stay before they find them a suitable forever home.

It was founded in 1987 as a direct result of a local Yukon outfitter allowing horses to starve to death. The organization originally consisted of nothing more than a fenced-in dog area on Andrea and Florian Lempher’s rural acreage, reads the Humane Society Yukon website.

Registration costs $45 and closes on April 14. Included in the registration kit is a locally made and designed T-shirt, a custom finishers medal, plus more.

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