PHOTOS: Richmond SPCA’s 23rd annual dog jog and 5k run

PHOTOS: Richmond SPCA’s 23rd annual dog jog and 5k run

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond SPCA's Hermitage Road Campus hosted its 23rd annual Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party on Sunday.

The annual event, which includes a 5K run at 10 a.m. and a 1-mile dog jog at 11 a.m., occurred on Sunday, March 22. It featured nearly 500 dogs, saving about 4,000 homeless animals every year, according to officials. The Richmond SPCA's website says they raised $191,457.

According to a spokesperson from the SPCA, running buddies are a special group of volunteers, which includes their most energetic dogs before they try to find new forever homes, as officials raise money for homeless dogs.

"What I love the most about this event is that it's really a love letter to the community," said Tamsen Kingry, chief executive officer of Richmond SPCA. "We have really amazing animal lovers throughout Richmond. They come together once annually to share and show their love for all the animals who need us."

Holiday Barn Pet Resorts is the title sponsor of the dog jog and 5k run.

"It creates fantastic awareness, so more people can understand what's happening here, and it's a great way to bring out spring, get your dog out here, have a lot of fun," said Michael Hughes, head of the pack for Holiday Barn Pet Resorts and a board member for the Richmond SPCA. "It creates necessary funds, so that the Richmond SCPA can continue to produce great results in its humane shelter and veterinarian world, as well as in their behavioral offers."

While the race is over, there is a Block Party from noon to 5 p.m., where dog and dog owners can enjoy live music, food, games, adult beverages and more.

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)

Richmond SPCA's Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party (William Berksteiner, 8News)