As part of its 75th anniversary year, Midcoast Humane is gearing up for the return of its annual fundraiser, "Save a Stray 5K,” which takes place on Saturday, Aug. 16 in Freeport. The event raises money for the over 4,000 animals cared for by Midcoast Humane each year.

The dog-friendly 5K route begins at the Mast Landing School in Freeport, wraps around Lower Mast Landing Road, South and Bow streets, and ends back at Mast Landing School. The route is beautiful and scenic, with plenty of room for both people and dogs to run.

The One Mile Walk is a stroll throughout downtown Freeport, beginning and ending on the L.L.Bean Campus, and is the perfect opportunity to gather friends, family and pets to enjoy a walk on a beautiful August day in one of Maine's most popular towns.

“The Save a Stray 5K is a vital fundraiser for Midcoast Humane, and a fun way to spend part of your morning,” said Executive Director Jess Townsend. “Whether you're running, walking, or just stopping by with your kids or pup to soak in the atmosphere, your participation directly supports our mission. We rely on the generosity of our community to continue helping pets and people, and events like the Save a Stray 5K are essential to making that work possible,” she added.

Runners, walkers, and attendees are encouraged to bring well-behaved canine friends, who must be on leash at all times.

Registration for the 5K is $35 per person until 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15. Day of registration for the 5K will be available for $40, starting at 6:30 a.m. at the starting line at the Mast Landing School. Registration for the one-mile walk is $30 per person until 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15. Day of registration for the walk will be available for $45, starting at 7 a.m. next to the tent at L.L.Bean.

Event registrations and donations to Save a Stray 5K benefit the 4,000+ stray and surrendered animals that receive medical care, food, surgery, vaccines, and comfort at Midcoast Humane each year.

For those who are unable to attend the event on Aug. 16, the shelter has added the option to sign up as a virtual participant, so that shelter supporters can still support animals in need and fundraise on their behalf visit saveastray.midcoasthumane.org/

The presenting sponsor and Lifesaving Legend for this event is Charleen’s, a family run gas station and convenience store located in Richmond. Damariscotta Hardware is sponsoring at the Veterinary Care Crusader level with additional support from Community Animal Advocate sponsors Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, Geico: Ashley Bullard, Ouellet Construction, One River CPAs, L.L.Bean, Reform Physical Therapy, and Dog House Heating.

To sign up, donate, or get more details about the event, visit SaveAStray.MidcoastHumane.Org or call 207-449-1366 x109.

About Midcoast Humane

Midcoast Humane is one of Maine’s largest animal shelters, caring for over 4,000 animals in a typical year. It is the contracted animal shelter of 39 towns along Maine’s Midcoast across 1,000 square miles from Falmouth to Somerville. For more information, visit midcoasthumane.org. Midcoast Humane’s mission is to protect and care for animals in need, support the people who love them, and strengthen our community through shared resources, compassion, and engagement.