In a chorus of barks, a tangle of leashes and a stampede of two and four-legged racers, the Vet School continued its theme of community involvement and outreach with two races on campus Saturday morning. The School of Veterinary Medicine hosted its 16th annual Great Rover Road Run to promote animal health and exercise.  More than 230 runners participated in two races beginning at the Veterinary Medicine Building. The first was a 5K, where runners ran down Skip Bertman Drive and through campus. The second was a one-mile “fun run” where participants ran, alongside their dogs, down to the old Alex Box stadium and back. Vet School alumna and Public Programs Coordinator Gretchen Morgan said the event is an “awareness-building thing for the health and fitness of your dog.” Mark Primeaux, music education sophomore, won the 5K with a time of 16 minutes and 21 seconds. “It was actually a lot of fun,” he said. “The course was really fast. It was really simple. I felt pretty good today.” Second-place finisher Josh Heird was visiting from Louisville, Ky. to watch the Louisville women’s basketball team compete in the NCAA tournament Sunday.  “It was great. The course was a lot of fun,” Heird said. “I’ve never been to LSU’s campus, so it was good to see.” Second-year vet school student and volunteer Lindsay Willis said the event serves as a fundraiser for the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, which is a local school chapter of a national academic and professional association. She said about 30 or 40 vet school students have worked since November to put on the event. “It’s just a fun experience,” Willis said. Second-year Vet student and SCAVMA treasurer Chris Darnall said the event raised about $5,000 for the group last year. The group uses the money for things like scholarships, social events and special instructional classes. Once the serious runners finished the 5K, it was the dogs’ turn. Some of the most eager pets dragged their owners along by the leash as the excitement of the moment overtook the canines. “It’s nice to see people who enjoy exercising along with their dogs,” Willis said. “Dogs need exercise, too.”
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