NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Tails from the Tarmac: Houston's Bush Airport Event Benefits Needy Animals

HOUSTON, March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Houston will literally be letting the dogs out on the airport tarmac for the Mutt Strut & Runway Race -- one of the most unique fund-raising events in the country -- hosted by the Houston Airport System, in partnership with the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) on Saturday, March 6, 2010. The gate opens at 6:00 a.m. CST and race activities officially start between 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. CST.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100304/DC65538)

The event, now in its third year, includes a 5K competitive race and a non-competitive run, walk or roll with participants invited to take off with their dogs on the active tarmac of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the eighth busiest airport in the United States.

All proceeds are donated to the HSPCA, which cares for more than 100,000 needy and abused animals each year.

"The Houston Airport System is helping us make miracles come true everyday with their kind and generous support of the annual Mutt Strut and Runway Race," said Patricia Mercer, president of the Houston SPCA. "This one-of-a-kind event helps give Houston's homeless, abused and neglected animals a second chance at life and we are proud of our partnership with the Houston Airport System."

"We are very proud of the fact that people are supporting a great cause and are also involved and interested in the development of the airport, which is a vital asset," said Eric Potts, interim director of the Houston Airport System.

Coordinated by Houston Airport System employee, Lenore Herman, hundreds of airport employees plan and execute the event, which draws major support from the business community -- dozens of sympathetic companies and entrepreneurs donate money and services. Last year's event attracted more than 1,900 people who brought 1,500 dogs.

Must-see activities feature the "best dressed" dog competition, the pet-versus-owner-look-alike contest, live music, food, prizes, trophies and awards. A number of pet-friendly services will be available including a low cost microchip clinic for dogs.

Pre-registration is free at www.houstonspca.org. Registration on March 6 is $25. For information contact the HSPCA at 713-869-7722 or visit www.fly2houston.com/muttstrut.

The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 48 million passengers in 2009, ranking as the 4th largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th largest multi-airport system in the world. Learn more at www.fly2houston.com.

SOURCE Houston Airport System