The Run the Pines for Canines 5K was an ENORMOUS success!!!! When Justin came to us a couple of months ago with his idea for this event, we were all very excited. None of us really knew what was involved with planning a 5K as a fundraising event, but Justin was so prepared and organized that we were confident he would know what was needed to put this event together. Boy, did he!!

Justin ran this event like a real pro! He made all of the necessary contacts to get the path laid out and graded, the cones to mark the path, the arch for the start/finish line, the food, water, tables, registrations, shirts, sponsors, trophies .... I could go on and on. Justin did so much, that I think I speak for all of Popcorn Park management when I say we are truly amazed at the outstanding job he did! I thought that maybe 40 or 50 people would sign up to run in the race and we would have been thrilled with that. BUT, about 140 people ran in this race!!! It was HUGE!! And lots of people ran with their dogs which went very smoothly too!!

Above, John Bergmann, Popcorn Park General Manager, with Justin.

140 runners signed up, many with their dogs, to run the 5k for AHS/Popcorn Park animals

From the early morning registration to the post-race after party, everything ran like clockwork thanks to Justin. Everyone had so much fun it was really a fantastic event that we hope to make an annual event now. (If Justin is up to it!) Through Justin's efforts, almost $4200.00 was raised!! How great is that!! Thank you so much Justin for all of your hard work and determination. And thank you also to our volunteers that helped out this morning too: Kathleen, Merrilee, Dave, Lisa and Kate. What a great group of volunteers we have! Thank you all! Featured here are a few pictures, but you can see much more of the event in this video of the 5k run which really shows it all.

We are also very grateful to the following organizations and businesses who supported the Run the Pines for Canines event. Thank you all!

Camp Bow Wow
Lacey 695 Challenger Way
Forked River, NJ 08731

Foundation for Wellness Professionals
810 Hooper Avenue
Toms River,

NJ Foundation for Wellness Professionals
411 U.S. 9 #1
Lanoka Harbor, NJ

Lacey Township Department of Public Works
818 W. Lacey Road,
Forked River, NJ 08731

Forked River House
121 S Main St (RT 9)
Forked River, NJ 08731

Wawa
800 Lacey Road
Forked River NJ 8731

South Jersey Multisport
291 Route 72
East Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Shoprite Lacey
344 US Highway 9
Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

Lacey Pet Supply
441 Lacey Road
Forked River, NJ 08731

PetValu Lacey
344 Lacey Mall
Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

Walmart Lacey
580 US Highway 9
Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

Mr. Lou Vircillo
230 Falkenburg Avenue
Forked River, NJ 08731