Runners in this year's Gobble Hobble event briskly move along the 5K path on Nugget Street, some with their furry friends sprinting alongside.

CANYON CITY – A hardy field of 36 participants – plus 14 dogs – turned out to hit the road in the annual Gobble Hobble 5K last Saturday.

The Humbolt Elementary School Running Club took on this year’s walk and run as a community service project.

The route began at Humbolt School, in Canyon City, and included Adam Drive and Canyon Heights.

With help from Humbolt PE teacher Samantha Gerry, the youth running club partnered with the Grant County Committee of New Hope for Eastern Oregon Animals, a pet advocate group, collecting donations to aid animals in foster care.

A total of $151 will help with low cost spay and neutering for pets and 18 pounds of dog food and seven pounds of cat food will aid animals in foster care.

Participants also donated a generous 75 pounds of canned goods and other items for people, to be split between several food banks: Monument, Prairie City, Methodist Church in John Day and the Grant County Food Bank.

The Gobble Hobble was started three years ago by Janet Plocharky and Karen Jacobs.

Placing first in the female division was Colleen Malaney with her dog Jessi, 25:46.0; first in the male division was Patrick Berry, 25:36.0; and in the youth division, Eithen Hatfield was first, 32:20.0, and Zeri Janssen was second, 34:55.0.

“We would like to thank all who volunteered and participated in this year’s Gobble Hobble,” Gerry said.

Anyone who would like to purchase a fleece Gobble Hobble scarf can contact Gerry at the school, 541-575-0454.