The College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University held the third annual Furry 5K for students, community members and their furry friends. 

An estimated 150 people and 50 dogs attended the Furry 5K.

The College of Agriculture partnered with the organization Ag for Autism. 

“We decided to partner with Ag for Autism to help create awareness for autism in the community,” said Abigail Coleman, College of Agriculture event coordinator. 

Ag for Autism was established in 2012 with Cash River Valley Seed, Armor Seed and Farm Credit. Ag for Autism grants money to organizations and nonprofits supporting autism. 

Daniel Pieroni, Treasurer of Ag for Autism, said the organization has given over 90 grants this year with over $180,000 going to Northeast Arkansas. 

Madison Hitchcock, first-year animal science major from Manila, worked the event with the Pre Vet Club at the halfway mark cheering people on. 

Coleman said next year they would try to make the Furry 5K a fundraiser for Ag for Autism.

Mickey Latour, the dean of the College of Agriculture, said the Furry 5K is evolving. 

“One of the things that I anticipate for next year is that we’re going to also include places where people can have opportunities to pick up trash along the way,” Latour said. 

Men’s division winners 

1st place: 23.55 Carson Lutz, 12-year-old cross country runner from Greenbrier.

2nd place: 26.07 Nicholas Hilson, A-State Athletics staff member.

3rd place: 27.00 3 way tie between A-State Rugby team members Cameron Dowie, Aaron VanDyk, Warrick Day. 

Women’s division winners

1st place: 24.28 Marina McDonough, A-State Alumni.

2nd place: 24.28 Pauline Meyer, A-State Alumni. 

3rd place: 28.36 Michaela Rients

Men with dogs division

1st place: 25.57 Merrick Fletcher from Brookland High School, 15-years-old with dog Minnie Mouse. 

2nd place: 32.35 Ty Sharrow, A-State graduate student studying biological science with dog Bunny.

3rd place: 33.30 Zach Harris, A-State Alumni, with dog Boomer. 

Women with dogs division

1st place: 27.52 Eva Wilk, NYIT program student, with dog Cronus. 

2nd place: 35.24 Harper Harris, Valley View student, with dog Lady. 

3rd place: 35.35 Abby Moore with dog Moose. 

Cutest dog division 

1st place: Bernese Mountain Dog Nova with owner Courtney Sears. 

2nd place: Goldendoodle Miller with owner Trisha Davis. 

3rd place: Catahoula Leopard Dog Oakie with owner Sarah Watson.

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