Paws & Claws 5K hits Hopkinton Oct. 19

Registration is open for the 16th annual Paws & Claws 5K, set for Sunday, Oct. 19, at Hopkinton State Park, according to a community announcement.

The event, presented by VCA Animal Hospitals, is one of the Baypath Humane Society‘s largest fundraisers, according to the announcement. It helps the organization care for more than 1,000 cats and dogs each year.

Proceeds from the event support Baypath’s mission to provide shelter, care and homes for stray or unwanted animals. The event brings together supporters, volunteers and attendees to raise funds for the shelter’s operations, including adoption services, medical and behavioral care and community education.

Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 15, according to the announcement. Same-day registration begins at 9 a.m. at the event. The first 300 registrants receive free T-shirts. To register for the Paws & Claws 5K, visit https://baypathhumane.org/news-and-events/signature-events/paws-and-claws.

Participants are encouraged to start a personal fundraising page to rally friends and family, according to the announcement. Every dollar raised helps provide shelter, medical care and second chances for animals.

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The event features a 5K run/walk, with the race starting at 10:30 a.m. Awards and thank-yous will follow at approximately 11:30 a.m. There will also be a village with vendors, sponsors and local businesses.

Bib pickup will be at the event, as there will be no prior pickup, according to the announcement.

Sponsors play a significant role in the event’s success and the organization’s ability to serve more animals. Those interested in partnering can find more information on the Baypath Humane Society website.

Baypath Humane Society provides shelter, care and homes for stray or unwanted companion animals. The organization also focuses on fostering relationships, educating the community and addressing pet overpopulation.

The shelter is at 500 Legacy Farms North in Hopkinton. More information can be found on the Baypath Humane Society website and its social media pages.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.