Aiken, South Carolina, September 29, 2025

News Summary

The Furry 5K and One-Mile Fun Run took place at Generations Park in Aiken, with participation from 87 runners. The event aimed to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter by promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Winners included Cohen Anderson and Caroline Dempsey, while the one-mile run saw DawnMarie Haines and her dog Krow take the lead. Local sponsors helped raise vital funds for animal care and transport.

Aiken Hosts Community-Focused Furry 5K Fundraiser to Support Animal Shelter

On September 27, 2025, the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) hosted its annual Furry 5K and One-Mile Fun Run at Generations Park in Aiken, South Carolina. The event saw the participation of 87 human runners, with the goal of supporting the Aiken County Animal Shelter by promoting animal welfare, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and reducing the euthanasia rate of adoptable animals.

Participants navigated slightly humid running conditions on foot- and paw-friendly surfaces, thanks to recent rain. The event featured a competitive 5K run, where the fastest male runner, Cohen Anderson, completed the distance in 22 minutes and 29 seconds. For the female runners, Caroline Dempsey from Irmo finished with an impressive time of 23 minutes and 48 seconds.

The one-mile fun run also generated enthusiasm, with overall winner DawnMarie Haines finishing with her rescued dog Krow in eight minutes and 41 seconds. Krow’s background is remarkable; he was rescued from a Texas shelter just 11 hours before facing euthanasia, symbolizing the urgent need for animal adoption.

Sponsors and Support

The Furry 5K fundraiser was supported by local sponsors, including South Aiken Physical Therapy and Wellness, Lionel Smith Ltd., and Downtown Dog. The funds raised from the event are vital for treating heartworm-positive dogs and facilitating their transport to homes located up north.

Community Involvement

This year, participants had the opportunity to run alongside dogs, with Loki serving as the adoptable ambassador for the shelter. The community turnout was notable, and local resident Sheri Scarborough expressed enthusiasm about the participation and the volunteer efforts from FOTAS.

Additionally, some runners observed unexpected wildlife along the running path, such as coyote droppings, indicating the natural environment of Aiken. These elements contribute to the unique experience of participating in community events that support local causes.

Background of the Event

The Furry 5K and One-Mile Fun Run have been held annually since 2022, showcasing the growing community commitment to animal welfare in Aiken County. Events like the Furry 5K play an essential role in raising awareness for the challenges faced by local animal shelters and the importance of adoption and responsible pet ownership.

Through education and community initiatives, FOTAS aims to create a more supportive environment for animals in need and reduce the incidence of euthanasia among adoptable pets. The continued success of the Furry 5K is a testament to the community’s dedication to these goals.

Key Event Statistics

• Event Date: September 27, 2025
• Location: Generations Park, Aiken, South Carolina
• Participants: 87 human participants
• Fastest Male Runner: Cohen Anderson – 22:29
• Fastest Female Runner: Caroline Dempsey – 23:48
• One-Mile Fun Run Winner: DawnMarie Haines and Dog Krow – 8:41

Conclusion

The Furry 5K remains a vital event for raising funds and awareness for the Aiken County Animal Shelter, further highlighting the importance of community involvement in promoting animal welfare.

FAQs

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Aiken, South Carolina Hosts a Week of Events
Aiken Community Activities and Weather Update
Aiken SC Community Highlights for the Upcoming Week

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: FOTAS Furry Fun Run
• Wikipedia: Animal Shelter
• Trentonian: New Trenton Animal Shelter Manager
• Google Search: Animal Welfare
• NewsChannel9: Dade County Animal Cruelty
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet
• WPST: Trenton Animal Shelter Needs Help
• Google News: Animal Shelter News

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

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