Sneakers, wagging tails, the pitter patter of little feet, and the sound of barking filled the runways at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), this past weekend, as the Mutt Strut and Runway Race 2007 brought hundreds of human and canine competitors to Houston’s largest airport.

They were running and walking for a good cause – to raise money for the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). That organization partnered with the Houston Airport System, this year, to introduce a new component to the 5k race: dogs.

For the first time in the history of the six year old event included a one-mile walk for leashed dogs was included. Playful and curious about the unusual surroundings at the airport, the four-legged participants raced alongside aircraft that were landing on the next runway over.

“Most people don’t ever have a chance to run or walk this close to a moving airplane, so it’s nice to be able to hold an event like this for the community,” says Richard Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “On top of that, knowing that this is all for a good cause makes it all the more significant. Our commitment to the local region is very strong and events like the Mutt Strut and Runway Race are a testament to that.”

All proceeds raised by the Mutt Strut and Runway Race, formerly known as the Runway Race for Life, will be donated to the Houston SPCA. According to organizers, this year’s event raised well over $100,000.

For the SPCA that means a lot more help for local animals.

“The Houston SPCA relies totally on private funding and all money raised benefits the thousands of animals that need our help,” says Alice Sarmiento, vice president of development and community outreach for the Houston SPCA. “We are excited about being involved in a program that will raise awareness and help us reach our goals.”

Since its launch in 2001, the annual runway race event has drawn in tens of thousand of participants and has raised more than $200,000 in revenue for local organizations.