More than 100 participants took part in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s 23rd annual Hill’s Great Rover Road Run Saturday. The run is held to raise awareness for pet obesity and to raise money for vet school scholarships and certain programs, including its monthly spay and neuter day.
The Rover Run consisted of a 5K through campus, a one mile fun-run for owners and pets starting and ending at the vet school and contests ranging from best costume to best dog tricks. Both human and dog run winners were awarded prizes at the end of the race.
Ginger Guttner, director of public relations for the vet school, said the event included something for everyone, not just runners.
“Even if you don’t participate in the run, you can see a variety of dog breeds and learn about the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine,” Guttner said.
Members of the University pre-veterinary club volunteered at the run, recording runners’ times, passing out water bottles at stations along the route and making sure the event ran smoothly. Pre-vet sophomore Chadsity Cobbins said the run was a great way to bring attention to the programs the vet school offers.
“It’s good for the vet school because it lets people know more about it so they can bring their animals to get checked,” Cobbins said.
For some, the run represented a personal tie to animals and served as a reminder of the importance of pet adoption.
International studies sophomore Helen Ayres said she found out about the run through a family member in the vet school. Ayres’ passion for animals and personal connection to the school’s programs motivated her to participate in the one mile run with her dog.
“I’ve always been passionate about animals,” Ayres said. “In high school, I did a senior project about animal shelters … and about how we need to spay and neuter animals, so [the run] is for a really good cause.”
Third-year vet students Meagan Kelly and Shelby Moore participated in the race. Kelly said it’s a fun way to raise awareness for the services provided by the vet school.
Moore, who brought her dog Nala to the event, said she has noticed an increase in participation over the years and said the run is a great way to educate the public about pets.
“It gets word out to the public about what goes on at the vet school,” Moore said. “It educates people on how to take care of their pets … it’s good community outreach and education.”
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine put on the 23rd annual Great Rover Road Run where dogs and their owners could participate in a 5k run, a one mile fun-run, a costume contest, and a best trick contest on Saturday, February 27, 2016 on Skip Bertman Drive.
