Inaugural Hair of the Dog run kick off 2012 entertainment
The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF) has established a number of movements to improve the community, through fundraising efforts that supply organizations and individuals with grants, donations and scholarships. Now in its 10th year, the QRCF is adding yet another way for people to give back, and a way to jump-start those New Year’s resolutions.
On Sunday, Jan. 1, the QRCF will host the inaugural Hair of the Dog 5K and 10K run in Bethany Beach. Open to all ages, the runs will wind participants throughout downtown Bethany Beach, and along the boardwalk.
The Hair of the Dog 10K will start at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, while the 5K will begin at 9:50 a.m. Strollers are permitted in the 5K, as are leashed and registered canines. A post-run party and award presentation will be held at Mango’s, on Garfield Parkway and the Boardwalk in Bethany Beach, as well. The top three finishers in each age group, in male and female categories, will be awarded, as well as first- and second-place male and female overall in the 5K and 10K, first- and second-place overall dog and owner finishers (5K only), and the first-place Master male and female.
“The QRCF has done a really great job raising money and putting it right back into the community,” noted Rick Hundley, a former president and committee member of the organization, and an avid runner and cyclist. “They came to me and asked what we could do, in terms of a new fundraiser, and I thought a 5K and 10K would be a great idea. It’s a fun activity, and it’s the first run of the year, so people who are looking to get into shape this year can start their New Year’s resolutions right away.”
Earlier this week, the event already had over 300 pre-registrants, with several hundred more expected to sign up online and on the day of the run.
“We’re expecting close to 500 runners,” said Hundley, “which is a huge number for an event in its very first year. The weather looks pretty good, and I think a lot of people are looking forward to it.”
Registration will continue online until noon on Friday, Dec. 30 at www.hairofthedogrun.com, where participants can save $5 on the entrance fee in both the 5K and 10K events. The Hair of the Dog runners can also register for the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber’s Exercise like the Eskimos plunge online, which will take place on the beach at the Bethany Bandstand at noon on Sunday. Participants can also register in-person at Mango’s restaurant in Bethany Beach on Saturday, Dec. 31, from noon until 4 p.m.
The run’s primary sponsors, 16 Mile Brewing Company and the Seashore Striders running group, will supply goody bag packets for participants, too, along with contributions from additional supporters and sponsors. Seashore Striders will provide chip-timing for the event. Hair of the Dog hooded sweatshirts, long-sleeve technical t-shirts and post-race party bracelets will be available for purchase, too.
Additional sponsors for the event include Jeff Baxter of Prosperity Mortgage, Atlantic Bodyworks Center, Baja Beach House Grill, Beach Liquors, Bethany Beach Books, Creative Resource Group, Cottage Cafe, Cycling Center of Coastal Delaware, D3 Corp., DiFebo’s Italian Grill, Delmarva Media Group, G&E Super Market, Good Earth Market, Halpern Eyes, Harris Teeter, Leslie Kopp Realtors, La Vita Bella Day Spa, Mango’s, New Balance, PNC Bank, Pepsi, Rehoboth Beach Running Company, Denise Beam of State Farm Ins., Tidewater Physical Therapy, Tidepool Toys and Games, US Foods, Vernon Powell Shoes and Wilgus Associates.
“We’re expecting a great turnout,” said Hundley, “and it’s all for a great cause. Since the induction of the QRCF, they have given out just under $400,000 to the community.”
This year, with some help, the organization sets its sight at topping the half-million dollar mark. For more information about the Hair of the Dog race, including registration forms, a map of the 5K and 10K routes, and more, visit www.hairofthedogrun.com.
Registration will continue the day of the race, Sunday, Jan. 1, from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. at the bandstand on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk. To get involved with the Hair of the Dog run as a sponsor or volunteer, call (302) 537-QRCF (7723) or visit www.QRCF.org.
