Man's Best Friend Benefits from Walkathon

For 25 years, the Southeastern Guide Dogs organization has held a walkathon to benefit their cause. The mission of the group is to create a bond between the visually disabled and a guide dog; a bond that ensures "mobility, independence and dignity."

The group is based down south in Palmetto. Numbers for walkathon-ers have grown so much that Southeastern Guide Dogs had to find a larger space to hold the event. Traveling a little more north than usual, supporters and friends were set to walk the area surrounding .

Ann Kelly from radio's Magic 94.9 emceed the pre and post show. Early risers registered around 8:30 am and the race officially began at 10.

Leading the pack at the starting line was Miss Teen St. Petersburg, Chloe Lupo. She was proudly escorted by St. Pete's very own "First Dog," Petey in the walkathon.

Food trucks, live music and a spectacular weather forecast welcomed walkers at the finish line for a post event party.

The event takes about a year to plan and in that time, almost 2,000 fundraisers are held.

2011's walkathon drew about 2,500 people. This year's event nearly doubled that number, meeting the expectations of the Southeaster Guide Dogs. Saturday, 170 volunteers donated their time to make the event possible.

Check back with Southeastern Guide Dogs to see where next year's walkathon will be held.