Ready? Set? Read! Join the Polk County Public Library in celebrating the kick-off of the 2016 Summer Reading Program on Saturday, June 18.

The library will partner with the Foothills Humane Society for a walk/run road race, the PCPL Mutt Strut 5k.

Race participants are encouraged to complete the course with their family dog or volunteer to walk a dog from the Foothills Humane Society.

The race will take place at Harmon Field in Tryon and begin at 8 a.m. A light breakfast will be served after the race. There will also be a live DJ and a photo booth to take finish line pictures!

Prizes from The Gorge Zipline, Chimney Rock State Park, and PRO Physical Therapy will be given to the top category winners. All participants will receive a “swag bag” (dogs included!) and be entered to win a basket of goodies from Landrum Veterinary Hospital.

Other sponsors and volunteers include Polk County High School, Bi-Lo, Purrrfect Bark Natural Pet Market, Dr. Edney, Bojangles, Purple Onion, Lori Cairnes, and Entegra Bank.

Online registration is now open at www.polklibrary.org.

There is no fee to participate in the race; however, runners may choose to donate to the Foothills Humane Society on race day.

Race T-shirts are also available and can be ordered through May 27.

Lace up your running shoes, and grab your four-legged furry friend – we look forward to seeing you on the course!

– article submitted by Jen Pace Dickenson