DAPHNE, Ala.— The eighth annual Animal Rescue Run is set for 8 a.m. Saturday at Centennial Park, on Main Street directly across from City Hall.

“It’s to increase awareness of the importance of getting pets spayed and neutered,” James Pennington, race director, said.

The 5K race begins at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile fun run, walk and pet trot following at 9 a.m.

Registration, beginning at 6 a.m., is $18 for the 5K race and $16 for the 1-mile run.

All proceeds go toward rescuing abused and abandoned pets in Baldwin and Mobile counties, providing medical care and placing them in nurturing homes.

“We rescue strays off the street and help them find homes,” Pennington said.

Anyone who has a place in their heart for our furry friends can participate in the event. All entrants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, designed by Fairhope artist Nancy Ria, of the Eastern Shore Arts Center. The top three male and female times in each race, for each age group, will be given an award. The awards presentation will be held at 9:30 a.m. The event will also include a raffle, sponsored by local merchants; raffle tickets are $1 each, or six for $5.

Pet owners are encouraged to run the race with their pets. A selection of refreshments including cookies, fruit, juice, soft drinks and coffee will await participants at the finish line.

Dr. Feelgood, a Mobile-area DJ, will spin popular favorites for the race attendees and their leashed guests. “It just adds something special to the event,” Pennington said.

Contact Pennington at 367-4599 for more information.

Also:

The Animal Rescue Foundation and the Baldwin Animal Rescue Center will host the first annual Animal Rescue Jam from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Oysterella’s on the causeway. Advance tickets are $12; cost is $15 at the door. All proceeds go toward funding the animal rescue program, and providing medical care and assistance in placing displaced pets in healthy environments.

Musical lineup includes: Lisa Mills, Elaine Petty, Katy English and The Assault and Battery Band.