Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Canine parents are invited to take part in a fundraiser for Peace Regional SPCA on Sept. 7.
Miserable Miles Unleashed is making its launch this year as part of the ever-popular Miserable Miles that takes place in the Peace River hills.
Organizers says the event is sure to make your floppy-eared companions eager to run and play.
“The Miserable Miles committee reached out to the SPCA to see if we would like to collaborate with them on having a dog-friendly portion to Miserable Miles,” explains organizer and SPCA board member Carter Briscoe.
“This year we were able to make that idea a reality for our community and we are happy to be able to offer Miserable Miles Unleashed.”
Miserable Miles Unleashed will be held on Sept. 7 with registration beginning at 2 pm at the Peace Regional SPCA tent.
Participant dogs are welcome to start making their way to location at 1 pm with their humans.
“We know people want to be able to do activities while being able to spend quality time with their furry companions, and what better way to do that then bringing an event like this to our community,” says organizer and SPCA board member Brandi Campbell. “We also think your dog will love it.”
The race will begin at 3 pm at the bottom of Misery Mountain Ski Hill. Both Campbell and Briscoe say it is a great opportunity for runners and their furry companions to tackle a challenge while making memories side by side.
“Miserable Miles Unleashed is a collaboration between the Peace Regional SPCA Fundraising Committee and The Miserable Miles Committee,” explains Briscoe.
“Although our group is small, we are mighty and always looking for community volunteers to support in helping to make this event possible.”
The Miserable Miles Unleashed race will be between 2.5 and 3 kms and will not feature obstacles like the regular Miserable Miles.
Campbell notes that there will be a Puppy Playground to keep both humans and dogs entertained while waiting for their heat to start. The playground will feature agility type obstacles such as tunnels and ramps.
“The Peace Regional SPCA provides daily essentials for homeless and abandoned animals in our care,” explains Briscoe.
“It really takes a village to help with the day-to-day operational costs that incur to be able to care for all these animals.”
The duo explains the Peace Regional SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide food, shelter, medical care and the opportunity for adoption to unwanted, surrendered, lost and unclaimed animals while promoting responsible pet ownership through education and public fundraising events.
“We are also currently fundraising towards building a new home for our residents,” adds Campbell. “As many people may or may not know, we are currently in a temporary rental location, until we are able to have our new building built.”
Cost to register for the event is $45, with all proceeds going to the SPCA.
The fee pays for one human and one dog to run the race, as well as a racer Swag Bag with items for both human and pooch.
Campbell and Briscoe note there will be some fun things set up for the racing duos including Dog Obedience and Behaviour demos, Dog Library, and Photo Booth, as well as the forementioned Puppy Playground.
“Food and drinks will be available for dogs and humans alike,” explains Briscoe. “At Miserable Miles there will be food trucks on site, a vendor village, and for dogs we will have a bark-cuterie board of snacks.”
The team says it will be a fun time for runners and their furry companions.
They note that it’s a great way to support the community and the Peace Regional SPCA.
Prizes will also be available to be won, including Greyhound (fastest time), Bulldog (slowest time), Golden Retriever (Sportsmanship), and Poodle (Best Costume).
Participants that complete the post event survey will be entered for a chance to win a gift certificate for an annual dog check-up.
“We rely very heavily on the community for support in order to be able to carry out our mission,” Campbell says. “Currently, our shelter is very full of residents waiting for their furever homes. We are always looking for the support of volunteers and foster homes to help.”
Runners can register themselves and their pets by going to . Deadline to register is Sept. 1.
“Miserable Miles Unleashed is all about celebrating the friendship we have with our dogs and if you’re looking to add another furry companion to your life come check out the Paws-On-The-Patio Adoption Event happening at Peace River Brewing Friday September 6th,” says Briscoe. “Adoptable dogs from the Peace Regional SPCA will be hanging out outside during racer check ins.”