Dog lovers and running aficionados are gearing up for a rite of spring that gets tongues and tails wagging each year on the MTSU campus.

Human and canine entrants make their way down a Murfreesboro street during the 2013 See Spot Run 5K. This year’s run is set Saturday, May 17. (File photo submitted)

The ninth annual See Spot Run 5K will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at MTSU’s Peck Hall. The event is an effort to raise funds to build a home for a Rutherford County family through Habitat for Humanity.

More than 300 MTSU student volunteers worked to build a home for Joanne McFadden and her three children, one of whom will be an MTSU student starting this fall.

The house, which was the fourth one made possible with MTSU assistance, was dedicated April 16.

Last year, about 250 runners or walkers and numerous canine companions took part in See Spot Run, which generates anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, said Jackie Victory, director of MTSU’S Office of Leadership and Service.

“We have people who are experienced runners, who are trying to get a personal record,” Victory said. “We also have people who just want to bring their dogs out.”

Participants may register here on www.active.com or at the office website, www.mtsu.edu/leadandserve.

Early registration was available online until May 11 for a fee of $25. Only early registrants may take advantage of a group discount of $20 per person for a group of 10 or more racers.

The in-person early registration deadline was 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, in Room 330 of the Student Union.

On-site registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. the day of the race for an individual fee of $30.

Each registered runner this year will receive a dry fit style shirt. Overall first-, second- and third-place winners in the male and female categories will receive gift baskets. First-, second- and third-place canine winners will receive leashes, water bowls and other dog goodies.

This event is sponsored by the MTSU Office of Leadership and Service and the Sigma Pi fraternity. Supporting sponsors include ARAMARK, Fazoli’s Restaurant, Safari Pet Resort and Poodoo Leash.

For more information, contact the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership at 615-898-5812, go to the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mtsuseespotrun or join the conversation on Twitter at #SeeSpot5K.

— Gina K. Logue (Gina.Logue@mtsu.edu)