FOUR legs should prove better than two for canine friends the Grassthorpe Paws as they take up the challenge of the St Luke’s Night Strider.
Pooches Basil, Dill and Max are putting their best paws forward along with owners Teresa and Martin Loxley and Julie Goude, who all live in Gleadless.
But if the exertion of the October 7 full evening half marathon walk proves too much for dachshund Max, there are plans to have a set of wheels to help him complete the course!
“We took part in Night Strider last year with two of the dogs and had a really good time,” said Max’s owner Teresa.
“We know St Luke’s is a fantastic charity and we have had friends over the years who have been supported by the St Luke’s team so we know how good their levels of care are.
“And after last year we know that the Night Strider is a great experience to be a part of - and it’s a very good way for us all to keep fit.”
Having taken part in the 10k version of the event last year, Teresa, Martin and Julie are this year planning to put themselves to the full half marathon walking challenge.
“Our only real concern is that Max became paralysed last year and had to have two discs taken out of his back,” Teresa explained
“He’s still very active but he does have a dog pram which he might have to hop into if it proves a bit too much for him.”
To support the dogs and their owners visit Grassthorpe Paws
Night Strider – sponsored by Gripple - is the annual nocturnal half marathon and 10k walking challenge that aims to raise more than £130,000 towards our patient care.
Last year’s event saw more than 1,000 St Luke’s supporters take to the streets as darkness fell on the city on an October evening.
Starting out from Tudor Square in Sheffield city centre as darkness falls on Saturday October 7, the walk takes in some of Sheffield’s finest locations as it heads out towards Ecclesall and then back to the Tudor Square finish line.
With no running involved, there’s plenty of time to take in the city’s best known views by moonlight as walkers embark on their nocturnal challenge.
And for any dogs taking up the challenge, water bowls and dog treats will be available at official pit stops along the route.
Either a full half marathon distance or a shorter 10k route, Night Strider is open to everybody over the age of 10 - though participants aged 10 to 17 must be registered and accompanied by another participant aged 18 or over - and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
The individual entry fee is £25 - to sign up simply visit Night Strider