Local people who enjoy stretching their legs with canine companions in tow may want to get in on the Canem Carrera Canina scheduled for Sunday, October 13 in Atequiza.
The three-kilometer jaunt is open to both competitive runners and individuals who just want to walk, jog or run alongside their pooches. The event will also encompass various complementary canine activities.
The innovative event is co-sponsored by the Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos government and Eco Feed, a company that produces the Canem brand of dog food at its factory in that municipality.
Contestants in the foot race can register in any of five age categories for a fee of 80 pesos. Medals and prizes will be awarded to those finishing first, second and third in each division. Persons who choose to bring dogs to get some non-competitive exercise will be admitted free of charge. People who depend upon service dogs are also welcome to participate. Organizers request that all dogs in attendance be kept on leashes or harnesses. Muzzles are suggested for those that tend to be aggressive when interacting with other animals.
The run will start at 9 a.m. from the esplanade outside the Teatro de Atequiza located at the center of town, following a flat course to and from the old railway depot set along the train tracks at the outskirts.
Other happenings going on throughout the morning will include a demonstration of guard dog protection techniques, an exhibition of canine weight pulling, a dog jumping competition and a canine costume contest.
Participants may register on site from 7 to 8:50 a.m. For additional information and advance registration, contact Ixtlahuacán Sports Director Chuy Hernández Dávila at 331-246-7511.
New to the local market, Canem is a low-cost dry kibble feed with 18-percent protein content for adult dogs, offered in options for medium to large or small and miniature breeds.