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My pug, Rocky, loves to join in on a fun run if he can, especially if there are other dogs! This year we had signed up for the Mutt Strutt 5k, but I was bummed to find out that the wedding of a close friend would cause us to miss it. So we were thrilled to find out The State Street Mile would be happening in Santa Barbara, CA, the weekend we were down, and that they had a hotly-contested person/dog division. Time for Rocky to prove he is still the fastest pug this side of the Mississippi!

The State Street Mile is a fundraiser for the local District Attorney's assistance programs, and includes age group, elite, masters, and dog categories for a one mile downhill jaunt through downtown Santa Barbara. The downhill lends to some spectacular times - you definitely would have to be sub-5 minute to win the dog group, and sub-4 to win the overall. It's been a while since Rocky was in prime running shape - I was just hoping he could run the whole thing! Given the bachelor party antics that I survived the two previous days, one mile would be a stretch for me too.

The starting line was near-calamity as excited dogs barked wildly. The announcer kept repeating "dogs, please try to keep your owners under control". We met some super-fast pooches at the start, including:

The eventual winner, clocking a 4:57:


The true "running with the big dogs" group:


A four-month old puppy ready to join the big boys:


Some of the many "adopt me" dogs from Team Dawg who had borrowed some local runners to join in on the fun:


A three-legged dog having three times the fun:


This lab, who would have given every kid a lick on the way if he could have:


And plenty of kids happy to give Rocky a hug after the race:


Rocky clocked a 7 minute mile, running the whole way. I was so proud of him! Sophie and Christi were there at the finish to congratulate him (and let him pass out in their laps). We enjoyed hanging around for the elite and fun run races too. It sure was nice to just go run a casual mile with my dog and not have to worry about hydration, splits, etc. Rocky continues to be a big inspiration!


- SD