More than 1,000 runners and their dogs gathered in Santa Coloma de Gramenet on Sunday morning. This marked the fourth edition of the Can We Run event. It was a solidarity race along the Besòs River promoting responsible pet ownership. The popular event started promptly at 09:00 in the Parc Fluvial. It attracted participants and spectators to the riverside location.
Promoting Animal Welfare and Community Spirit
Prensa Ibérica, EL PERIÓDICO, and Sport organised the event. The Santa Coloma de Gramenet City Council also supported it. The race aimed to promote animal welfare, solidarity, and responsibility. It also sought to encourage responsible pet ownership and respectful coexistence between dogs and residents. The Monumento a la Biodiversitat served as the central hub for all activities until midday. This monument is located on the grass by the Besòs River.
Participants and their dogs shared the spotlight. A festive atmosphere filled the air even before the race began. Early arrivals took photos with their dogs of various breeds on an empty podium. Eurofitness directed the pre-race warm-up. Other attendees relaxed on a large yellow sofa. Galerías del Tresillo, one of the event's sponsors, provided this.
Race Winners and Charity Support
The 6-kilometre "Runner" category started on time. Pablo Gerbolés and his dog Koa won this race. Koa, one and a half years old, quickly refreshed herself at the water station after crossing the finish line. Gerbolés stated, "She is the one who gives the inertia, I do not force her." He also described the practice as "more social than competitive." Gerbolés, accustomed to running half marathons, finished two minutes ahead of Óscar Carballo Vázquez and his dog Coco. Maikel Gómez and Luna secured third place. They received a bag of BonÀrea food and an Eurofitness backpack.
Mireia González, the Mayor of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, presented the awards. Mabel Mas, Director General of EL PERIÓDICO, joined her. Albane Sabatier won the women's category. Sara Martínez Zapata, Deputy Mayor for Culture, Sports, City Promotion, and LGTBI of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, handed Sabatier her prize. Sabatier received a year of free insurance from Musky. Laura Asensio and Laura Navajs finished second and third, respectively. They were present at the awards ceremony.
A Day of Activities and Fundraising
An Eurofitness activation preceded the 3-kilometre "March" category. This category did not award speed. Instead, it offered prizes through a raffle. This start was more relaxed and had more participants. The crowd thinned as people approached the Can Peixauet bridge. Participants enjoyed a comfortable pace under a clear sky.
The Can We Run 2024 event concluded with a significant donation. Mabel Mas presented a cheque to Veu Animal. This donation represented 30% of the registration fees. These funds will support abandoned dogs needing care and new homes. Additional sponsors included Aena, BonÀrea, Eurofitness, Josera, Musky, Galerías del Tresillo, and Ownat. Other collaborators were Aneto, Canitas, Club d’Agility Ciutat Comtal, CocaCola, Rituals, Rucan, and Viladrau.
Agility Demonstrations and Event History
The day's final activity involved an animation and exhibition circuit. The Club d’Agility Ciutat Comtal led this. A guide demonstrated for five minutes. Then, participants tried the course with their dogs. Smaller dogs jumped 20-centimetre obstacles first. Tor, known as the "arrow of Montjuic," started the circuit. Carlota and Greta's speed earned loud applause. The organiser joked, "The dog does not go with a remote control, but hours of training." He also mentioned "stage pressure" affecting one dog. Spectators watched from the Passeig de Salzereda. This street runs parallel to the Besòs River.
The Can We Run event series began in 2017. It arrived in Barcelona in 2023. Before that, it successfully took place in other Spanish cities. These included Palma, Zamora, Gijón, Alicante, Málaga, Zaragoza, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Vigo. The event continues to grow. It fosters a strong community around pet ownership.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
