The Richmond SPCA’s signature Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party drew dog lovers from near and far on Saturday, March 23, at the nonprofit’s humane center on Hermitage Road.

The local nonprofit has grown its annual Dog Jog and 5K to include an afternoon with live music, headlined this year by local cover band Sold Separately. The free party also featured a marketplace with more than 50 local vendors and artisans, food trucks and alcoholic beverages.

“Over the past 22 years, this event has become a significant source of support for our programs as well as a gathering of community to celebrate our animal companions,” said Richmond SPCA Chief Executive Officer Tamsen Kingry. “We count on seeing so many adopters, members of the running community, family, friends and, of course, their dogs.”

This year’s fundraising goal for the “Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party” was $207,000. Funds raised will benefit more than 18,000 animals served by the Richmond SPCA this year, including approximately 4,000 homeless dogs and cats that the organization shelters and rehabilitates before adoption. The nonprofit provides lifesaving services for pets and people, including low-cost veterinary care, a free behavior helpline, training classes and humane education for children.

For more information about the Richmond SPCA, please visit richmondspca.org.