Muskego Pioneer 5K Run/Walk Goes to the Dogs

The party just got a little bigger, as the first-ever Muskego Pioneer 5K Run/Walk on June 8 will also include a dog division of runners and walkers. 

That is, you can enter your pooch for an additional $10 to the $25 entry fee, and the money raised will go to Wisconsin's Pets for Vets.

According to the organization's website, the goal is "to help heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with a shelter dog that is specially selected to match his or her personality. Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the dogs and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. Training can also include desensitization to wheel chairs or crutches as well as recognizing panic or anxiety disorder behaviors."

It’s win-win according to the group, with needy shelter dogs paired up with returning soldiers, giving each a second chance at health and happiness. 

A special pet division of runners and walkers will be created, and will add to the events already planned. The race will start at 10 a.m. in Veteran's Memorial Park near City Hall, and is part of a day-long celebration on Pioneer Drive, sponsored in part by the Muskego Chamber of Commerce as well as area businesses. Proceeds will be used to buy holiday decorations for Pioneer Drive.

Schedule of Events:

• Packet Pickup/Race-Day Registration: 8 - 9:30 a.m. in Veterans Park
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 9:45 a.m. on Pioneer Drive
• 5k Run/Walk Start: 10 a.m. in Veterans Park
• Awards Ceremony: 11 a.m. in Veterans Park
• Block Party on Pioneer Drive (between Horn Bros. to Horn Field): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Includes street bowling, live music, food and a presentation of Historic Muskego by the Historical Society. 

Registration Fees*:

Runners and Walkers - 

$25 until May 31

$30 June 1 through race-day

Get a $5 discount per person with groups of 10 or more

Runners and Walkers with Pets - 

$35 until May 31

$40 June 1 through race day

For additional information, including registration online, race map and age divisions for the race, visit the Pioneer 5K website.