Expect to see boots on the ground along with sneakers, flip flops and paws at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on October 20th, all participating in our annual runway race with the airplanes.

The event has been re-named this year to the Mutt Strut & Runway Race, benefiting the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

“This is an excellent organization that I have been involved with over the years,” says Richard Vacar, Houston Airport System director. “The Houston Airport System is dedicated to working with the community and being involved. This partnership just clicked and we’re looking forward to its success.”

Since it was launched in 2001, the annual event has drawn in tens of thousand of participants. It has also raised more than $200,000 in revenue, all of which have been donated to various community and charity groups.

This year the Houston SPCA is adding a new dimension to the outing: a one mile Mutt Strut. Participants will be able to leisurely stroll their dogs only, down the one mile runway course. Prizes will be awarded in several categories including best dressed, best kisser, best owner pet look alike.

“This is the first time we are permitting dogs at the event,” says Lenore Herman race co-chair. “All dogs must be on a 6 foot leash and must be vaccinated. There will also be a pet free zone for those who feel more at ease with their two-legged human counterparts.”

Alice Sarmiento, vice president of development and community outreach for the Houston SPCA, hopes the event will raise awareness.

“We’re very excited about partnering with the Houston Airport System it provides us an opportunity to help animals in need and get people involved no matter what their fitness level,” she says.

Last year, the organization served more than 100,000 local animals in need. Some 10,000 of these cases involved the investigation of animal cruelty; another 15,000 involved the finding of new homes.