2018 Human Race raises $249,000

Almost seven months ago a local greyhound rescue group lost a van and all cash from its largest annual fundraiser to the Tubbs fire. On Saturday, with community support rallied through the 2018 Human Race, Greyhound Friends for Life was able to recoup its fire losses, raising $15,000.

A mellow pack of 20 greyhounds — ex-race dogs rescued by the group — was decked out in tiny yellow hard hats for the occasion as part of the nonprofit’s campaign ‘Rebuilding Together.’

The group was among 200 nonprofits that benefited Saturday from the 3K and 10K run and walk through Howarth and Spring Lake parks.

A few thousand people of all ages and athletic abilities crossed the finish line at Slater Middle School, a smaller crowd than in years past. The threat of rain and the draw of Petaluma’s Butter and Egg Days, also taking place Saturday morning, were both factors, organizers said.

The fundraising goal for the popular race, Sonoma County’s largest public fundraising event, and the largest of its type across the nation, was $300,000, down from $500,000 last year.

By race day, more than $249,000 of the tally had already been donated, $50,000 more than last year, said Cami Kahl, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, which puts on the event.

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