Dogs, and their humans, of all shapes and sizes took to the sand last Saturday for the third annual Chariots of Fur 5K at Mariner Park.

Some ran with canines leashed directly to them, others strolled in a leisurely group, and still others tackled the soft beach run while pushing strollers in front of them.

With 27 adults and about seven children signed up, the race saw a successful third year on Saturday. The colorful crowd was a bright spot under the overcast sky moving down the beach to an orange cone that signaled the halfway point. The littlest runners, and smaller dogs, participated in a 1 mile walk/jog event.

The race is free to register for, but donations were accepted to help Homer Animal Friends, which provides pet ownership education, low-cost spay-neuter assistance and support to the Homer City Animal Shelter.

The shelter, currently run by Alaska Mindful Paws through a contract with the city, coordinates with local veterinarians. One of the those vets, Dr. Janelle Moerlein, was out at the finish line Saturday taking the times of runners and their four-legged friends.

Following the race, a gathering was held at Grace Ridge Brewing, where awards for the top finishers were given out.

Reach Megan Pacer at mpacer@homernews.com.

Two runners with their dogs make their way along the beach during this year’s Chariots of Fur 5K race Saturday, July 14, 2018 near Mariner Park in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

A dog named Copper looks around the beach after the Chariots of Fur 5K race on Saturday, July 14, 2018 near Mariner Park in Homer, Alaska. The race benefits Homer Animal Friends. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

A runner approaches the finish line of the Chariots of Fur 5K with his dog on Saturday, July 14, 2018 near Mariner Park in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Dennis Mackulin approaches the finish line of the Chariots of Fur 5K race with Isabel Piek on Saturday, July 14, 2018 near Mariner Park in Homer, Alaska. Now in its third year, the race benefits Homer Animal Friends. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Some dogs and their owners interact at the finish line of this year’s Chariots of Fur 5K race, held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Mariner Park in Homer, Alaska. The race benefits Homer Animal Friends. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)