10th annual Run/Walk for the Paws run through St. Joseph

This year was the event's largest turnout with hundreds of people participating. 

One runner, Erik Williams, says this is his fifth or sixth year competing in this run/walk event. He also runs for a club here in St. Joseph that utilizes the same course. 

“Just a couple more things, water and spectators,” Williams said. 

He loves the run/walk event because it gives him an opportunity to give back.

“I got a dog from the animal shelter here in town, so I kind of appreciate giving back every time I can and running is a good way to do it,” he said. 

He actually got his dog from the animal shelter back in 2016 through a Puppies for Parole program. 

“[It’s] just a blessing to have a dog that helped change somebody's life and then helped kind of bring some joy to mine,” said Williams.

He says his favorite part about running is competing against yourself and being able to wear out his dog. 

“Getting out and just doing something for me,” he said. 

“This [dog is] a little rocket, so the more I run her, the less I have to deal with her at the house. Nothing's better than a tired dog.”

Another runner, Indigo Gaydusek is a part of the Measly Mile Mafia, an organization dedicated to running one mile per day. Though the humidity was a little rough for her, she had a friend to push her to the finish line.  

“I would not have gone as fast if it wasn't for that,” Gaydusek said. 

“It's really nice to be able to do something. I enjoy running and also support a good cause.”

The ladies of the Measly Mile Mafia even coordinated with matching green tutus.

“We like to dress up and coordinate and just make it more fun,” she said. 

Gaydusek says her favorite part of running is seeing her mental growth. 

“Just being able to clear my mind while I'm running and then also just like the stress. That's a really good way to relieve stress and push yourself and it's accessible to anybody,” said Gaydusek.

“There's somewhere to run for anybody as long as the weather's good.”