Road Race raises $4000 for the Animals!

The PAWS CAUSE Road race raised $1500 more this year thanks largely to our sponsor Cabletron Systems. Forty Cabletron employees participated in the race and walk, while still others helped Cabletron Race Coordinator Roxanne Drapeau-Bieniek get the word out around the region. Our gratitude also goes out to The Arrow 102.1 <-> 105.3 FM, who aired advertisements leading up to race day and made a special on-air announcement starring a few frisky kittens chaperoned by CVHS Executive Director, Elizabeth Fourar-Laidi.

The Strafford County Courthouse extended a warm welcome to racers and fans again this year as they hosted the barbeque and race related activities. With the help of Strafford County Department of Corrections, Jim Guanya from the courthouse, Herm Stolzenburg and Malone Steele from the shelter put up the tents in no time flat!

JBM Personal Trainers and Planet Fitness conducted a gentle warm-up while 65 additional runners registered and changed into official race t-shirts just prior to the start. Licensed massage Therapists, Jon Hendrick and Tonja Little donated massage for runners and walkers before and after the race. Karen Wenmark pulled into the courthouse parking lot with the infamous Jump 'N Tumble Bus to entertain the littlest walkers and runners.

The Dover Police and Dover Explorers presence were appreciated by all as they directed traffic along the course and at the finish. Dover's Emergency Medical Technicians brought the ambulance, although everyone finished without incident.

Andy Schachat, WTSN Sportscaster, shared his emcee talents as well as his knowledge of local runners, which kept the fans on their toes to see who would cross the finish line for animals first.

The runners, including Honorary Race Director, Cathy O'Brien, started off at 6:30. One milers strolled along behind the Arrow pace car at 6:40. Racers were happy to re-hydrate at two water stations served by young volunteers in between mile markers one and three.

During the anticipation, Andy broadcasted frequent updates which came in from the Dover Radio Club volunteers positioned at each mile marker. The barbeque opened up for business and we began to sample yummy grilled chicken, hot-dogs and burgers. Bob Dearborn and his Bluegrass band, "Friends", strummed along with some awesome tunes from under Waste Management's tent.

Just as we were watching the little runners at the Kid's Fun Run, First Place 4-mile winner, Derek Fenton came into view and finished with a fantastic time of 20:42, a pace just over 5 minutes per mile! We sent the top finisher away with a weekend getaway for two to the Schooner House Inn & Barn Tavern.

Family and friends cheered her on as Cathy O'Brien placed first for the woman's division capturing the coveted one-night's stay at Enchanted Nights Bed & Breakfast. People from ages 6 to 81 took to the streets for the animals and finished in style well in time to celebrate.

Thanks to over 60 dedicated volunteers! Special Thanks to shelter friends and staff for volunteering their time, coolers, trucks and tools: Beverly, Carey, Claire, Colleen, Deb, Diane, Diann, Gayle, Ket, Krystle, LuAnn, Malone, Maureen, Melanie, Monica, Sandy, Sue, Ted, Valarie, Lori, Herm, Grant, Sandy, Elaine, Vickie Strout, Tom Walker and Golda.

Thanks to the following businesses:
BJ's Wholesale Club
Castle Springs
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Seacoast
Dorr's Printing
Foster's Daily Democrat
John J. Nissen Baking Company
JSR Merchandising
Marcotte Trophies and Awards
Sharpeworks Design
Shaw's
Shop N Save
Osco Drug
Party Center
Poland Springs
Riverside Nursing Home
Strafford County Department of Corrections
The Dover-Rochester Times
Taylor Rental
Waste Management
WOKQ 97.5

Prize donations made by:
Bog Dog Sportswear
Bittersweet Kennel
Bowl-A-Mania
Doo
Dover Natural Foods
Durham Foreign Motors
Enchanted Nights Bed & breakfast
Hilton's Fishing Dock
Hoyt's Cinemas
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Newick's Seafood Restaurant
Nicole's Hallmark
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant & Watering Hole
New England Runner
Philbrick's Sports Center
Red's Shoe Barn
Runner's Alley
Schooner House Inn & Barn Tavern
Southside Car Wash
Spinelli Companies
Stillwater Kennels
Strawberries Music and Video
Stroudwater Books
The Herbal Path
University of New Hampshire


Questions or comments about CVHS should be directed to [email protected]
© 2000 Cocheco Valley Humane Society