Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center hosts first annual Bark in the Park 5K
The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center (RCHC) in collaboration with Purina Cornell CHAMP (Canine Healthy Aging & Mobility Program), hosted its first annual Bark in the Park - 5K Fun Run & Walk on March 30 in New York City's Central Park. The non-competitive, family-friendly and inclusive experience welcomed participants of all abilities, including avid runners and those who simply enjoyed a leisurely stroll with their canine companions. The 5K paired with a raffle and superlative awards given to attendees and their dogs following the race. Awards included fluffiest tail, shiniest coat and best canine smile amongst others.
Roughly 350 human participants and 250 canine participants joined in person, while a virtual option allowed registrants to take part from the comfort of their own neighborhoods. The collaborative effort included community members from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior, the Baker Institute for Animal Health, the Cornell Feline Health Center, advisory council members and Cornell alumni.
Bark in the Park was sponsored by Purina and Zoetis, and served as an opportunity to support the RCHC's mission of providing canine health information and raising funds to help strengthen the center's grant program. Event registration and participant donations assist in the funding of canine health research, helping dogs live longer, healthier, happier lives. Since the launch of the RCHC in 2021, the center has funded $2.2 million dollars in canine health research. This includes 15 faculty research projects, nine clinical residents and four hospital equipment grants.
To see more photos and some of these pups in action, follow Riney Canine Health Center social media.
Story, photos and video by John Enright, Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center
Mari Morimoto ’96, D.V.M. ’01, Alanna Chesney D.V.M. ’08, Ann Hohenhaus D.V.M. ’85 and Mitch Kornet ’76, D.V.M. ’79 served as the official veterinarians for the event.
Dr. Aly Cohen, extension veterinarian with the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, walks with her 3.5-year-old Pomeranian, Mishka, during the 5k.
Noted social media influencers Dash and Lili, a pair of NYC based Corgis with Cornell connections, pose for pictures in front of their booth before taking part in the 5K.
Rory Todhunter, Ph.D. ’92, inaugural director of the Riney Canine Health Center, presents a participant and his dog with a raffle prize following the 5K.
A Golden Retriever shows off its Bark in the Park bandana and socializes with participants prior to the 5K.
Bark in the Park participant, Darby Jones, stands in front of Naumburg Bandshell as the sweepstakes prize winner of a dog friendly getaway package sponsored by VisitIthaca.com and Marriott Downtown.
Brian Collins, D.V.M. ’94, extension veterinarian with the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, presents a trophy for "Shiniest Coat," during an award ceremony following the Bark in the Park 5K.
A Bark in the Park 5K participant finishes the course's first lap with their pup. Runners completed two laps in Central Park in late March as part of the day's activities.
