By Mary O’KEEFE

Over 100 people participated in the Mutt Strut hosted by the California Council of the Blind on Saturday. The event is unique in that it allows those who would not normally feel safe on a 2K/5K track the freedom and confidence to not only run but to also compete.

Mutt Strut is for sighted, non-sighted and all those in-between. The route is designed at the Crescenta Valley Park by Synergy Race Timing with the path marked for sighted with volunteers along the path to help those with impaired sight. There were about 15 participants who had requested guides to help them travel the route.

Volunteers from areas like Crescenta Valley High School, La Cañada and Flintridge Preparatory helped to guide and worked throughout the day manning water stations and helping vendors.

The event was organized by chairs Donna Pomerantz and Debbie Cordero and the planning took months. But in the end it appeared this was the most successful Mutt Strut since it began at CV Park several years ago.

“I did not hear one complaint,” said Cordero said.

“Everyone really liked the volunteers,” Pomerantz added. “[Participants] felt safe.”

The money raised from these types of 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.

  Mary Okeefe