More than 200 people participate in the annual Doggies for Duchenne fundraiser.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 8:20 a.m. February 18, 2018
East County
Neighbors
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East County resident Betsy Pecor knew her 11-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Booba, was going to have trouble running the entire Doggies for Duchenne 5K, which was Feb. 17 starting from CrossFit Lena in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park.
So she did what any good owner would do.
"I carried her for half of it," Pecor said, laughing.
Pecor and Booba joined more than 200 other runners and walkers in the annual event, which also included a 1-mile walk and benefitted the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch and Another Day for Gray, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Runners without canines started the foggy-morning run first and were followed by runners and walkers with dogs. There even was one cat, Pepper, who rode in a stroller with her owner, Tara's Pam Hume.
"She's always the only cat, but there's no prejudice," Hume said. "We normally come in right about last."
East County residents Monika Oberer and Rebekah Boudrie organized the event.
Runners surround Grayson Tullio, seated, the inspiration behind the charity Another Day for Gray.
Tara resident Pam Hume was the lone walker with a cat, Pepper.
Tom Eisenhauer takes off with his dog, Charlie.
Betsy Pecor, of East County, runs with her 11-year-old dog, Booba.
Rebecca Boudreaux, of event sponsor Sarasota Dog Wizard, runs with her dog, Ellie.
Lakewood Ranch's Jeff Boudrie opted for the rowing competition. He was one of three to participate.
Bradenton Runners Club member Corey Peyerk finishes first.
Lakewood Ranch High School Key Club members Dallas Rodriguez and Serena Rojas and Lakewood Leaders member Katelynne Shopoff collect runners' timing bands.
Laura and Scott Williamson, of Lakewood Ranch, participate with their sons, Riley, 7 and Aiden, 9.
Sam and Paula Ripple, of Winter Park, enjoy a beer after the run.
Betsy Pecor, of East County, runs the 5K with her dog, Booba.
Parrish residents Dan Verreault and Donna Tosoni run with their dogs Cal and Teddie.
Ross Kennedy, of Lakewood Ranch, entertains his dog, Maro, with treats before the race.
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch volunteer Tony Wonderly tries to get Tanner adopted.
Banner Clark, of St. Petersburg, hangs out with his dog, Dexter, before the run.
Lakewood Ranch's Carter and Jamie Kauffold start the 5K together. "I'm going to beat her," Carter says of competing against his mom.
