Runner turns his paws to a cause

KENT BLECHYNDEN /The Dominion Post

OFF THE LEASH: Andrew Smith, who plans to take part in the Wellington marathon dressed as a dog, goes for a practice run.

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Andrew Smith is putting his paws to the pavement to raise money for man's best friend.

The Wellington fitness trainer, formerly from Yorkshire, will run his first marathon on Sunday in a furry costume, with all proceeds going to the SPCA.

"I'm pretty optimistic, because I'm running it for the SPCA, so I've kind of got to do it. I'm sure there'll be plenty of jokes about stopping at every lamp-post, and nicking people's picnics."

He has been volunteering at the SPCA since the start of the year, cleaning out dog cages and helping keep tails wagging.

"I thought, I need to do something I'm passionate about animals and I've got some spare time. They've been really supportive, every week they email me about all the donations they've had."

Wellington SPCA fundraising co-ordinator Trina Hutchison said Mr Smith had raised nearly $600 already. The marathon mutt was one of the more unusual fundraising stunts she had seen.

Harbour Capital Marathon organiser Michael Jacques said Mr Smith was the first pooch to enter the Wellington race that he knew of.

Mr Smith said he was crossing his fingers for a cool, dry day on Sunday, to keep things comfortable inside his coat and avoid that wet-dog feeling. "I'm hoping for a cold day, but not raining, because I think the suit will get pretty heavy if it's wet."

MetService forecaster William Nepe said the weekend was not looking good. "It's going to be wet, cloudy and southerly. It might shift to northerly [on Sunday] evening, but it's going to be cloudy, drizzly or rainy, and if it is southerly, it's probably going to be constant rain."

Temperatures were expected to range between eight and 11 degrees.

Last month one of a group of costumed runners in Christchurch's SBS Marathon broke a Guinness world record for the fastest time by a contestant dressed as a superhero.

Mr Smith was not aiming to set any records but hoped to raise at least $1000 for the SPCA.

Ms Hutchison said donations could be made by phone or internet payment, in person at the SPCA, or at the marathon.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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