The annual Mutt Strut invites all runners, walkers (and their dogs) – sighted and not – to a morning of fun and friendship at CV Park.

By Mary O’KEEFE

For many the decision to take an early morning run is simple – the only real problem could be just finding the energy to get out of bed – but for some running is a big decision that requires more than just lacing up shoes.

The California Council of the Blind understands that the decision to run may not be easy for the sight-impaired and that is why Mutt Strut, being held at Crescenta Valley Park on Nov. 19, has become such an important event.

For months organizers work hard to make certain that the 5K Mutt Strut is not only safe but also fun. Every detail is reviewed, from the placement of booths to the training of volunteers, with focus on how to make the route as safe as possible.

The 5K follows the same path as other 5Ks held at Crescenta Valley Park with the additional help of Synergy Race Timing that makes certain to mark the path carefully and works closely with organizers and volunteers. Volunteers from Prom Plus Club line the path and cheer the runners on to help them keep on the path and to give them the support all runners need to get across that finish line.

Just like all 5Ks, water stations are set throughout the route. Like most other races, this race is timed. This race also includes four legged runners, hence the Mutt Strut portion. Guide dogs will help runners as they traverse the path; however, this 5K is not only for those who are sight-impaired – everyone is invited to run. And perhaps that is why the Southern California Mutt Strut has come back to La Crescenta for the past several years.

“We found a home,” said Donna Pomerantz, Los Angeles California Council of the Blind Mutt Strut committee chair.

Mutt Strut came to Crescenta Valley Park three years ago with organizers hoping the location would work for their members and found it worked beyond their highest hopes.

“Many members have felt the warmth from the [CV community],” said Debbie Cordero, Mutt Strut organizer.

The event has grown over the years with more vendors and more activities at CV Park in addition to the 5K run.

“There will be a dog costume contest, as well as dog contests in other categories, and raffle prizes,” Cordero said.

Sighted and sight-impaired runners will have a chance to run a 2K, 5K or a walk race. Guide dogs and family dogs are invited to run alongside their owners.

The money raised from these events helps the California Council of the Blind support its members and those in need. It will help with projects like braille literacy, college and vocational scholarships, crisis intervention and technology.

Technology is an important aspect because it is a way to link the blind and sight-impaired with the world. While a computer for sighted people will cost between $500 and $600, for the blind and sight-impaired it would be an additional $1,000 to $2,000 for the programs that will adapt the computer for them.

There are other technical advances that help the blind enjoy a good book, follow their favorite programs with the use of speaking digital television with audio descriptions, and talking ATMs.

In addition to the fundraising, the Mutt Strut is a great way for everyone to enjoy a day of running or walking in a beautiful setting. It is important to the organizers for everyone to know that although it is a route through the park there will be many volunteers who can assist by acting as guide runners, and will always be on the route to keep an eye on the participants.

“It’s fun,” Pomerantz added. “It’s safe and no one gets left behind.”

Registration for Mutt Strut is $40 for adults, $20 for students 13 years old to 18, and $10 for children 6 to 12. There is no charge for guides or any dogs that join their runners/walkers.

There are those who would like to support but cannot attend the event; these are called virtual walkers. To support as a virtual walker the cost is $40. For those who would like the runner’s package of a Mutt Strut T-shirt and wag bag the cost is $46, which includes shipping.

For more information visit muttstrut.californiacounciloftheblind.net.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the run/walk starting at 9 a.m.

Crescenta Valley Park is located at 3901 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta.

  Mary Okeefe