by Anna Holton-Dean | Photos courtesy of Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic
Grab the leash and lace up your sneakers for Parkside Psychiatric Hospital
& Clinic’s annual Tulsa Dog Run on October 7 at Mohawk Park.
Although not always known as the Tulsa Dog Run, the event has been taking place for more than 10 years. Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates the By Your Side patient assistance program. The program provides food assistance, clothing, school supplies, and treatment transportation for some of Parkside’s most vulnerable patients and their families in times of need. To raise money for the program, Parkside started the By Your Side 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run in 2010.
“The 5K run was raising a respectable amount of money, but there are lots of run events in town, and we wanted something that would differentiate us from the countless other 5K runs,” explains Derek Frazier, fundraising director for Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic.
So in 2019, the organization decided to feature dogs in the event.
“It wasn’t until this year that we decided to change the name to the Tulsa Dog Run: By Your Side 5K & 1-Mile event,” Frazier says. “I’m a dog lover, and I noticed there really weren’t many dog events in town. In fact, there were no 5K runs where you were allowed to bring your dog at all. Thus, the Tulsa Dog Run was born.”
Parkside’s website further explains that incorporating dogs into the event not only
adds a fun and engaging element but also reinforces the importance of pet companionship for mental health and well-being. The event brings together dog owners and animal lovers who want to make a difference in the lives of other people and their furry friends. Proceeds from the event help Parkside continue to provide vital support to indigent patients, enabling them to access the necessities for healthy and fulfilling lives.
Something for Everyone
The racecourse has no hills and is chiptimed for competitive runners. It is sanctioned by USA Track & Field. Awards will be given for the 5K male and female overall winners and the first three finishers in standard age groups. However, all dogs will receive participation medals.
The Tulsa Dog Run is Parkside’s only
community charity event for the year to raise money for By Your Side. If you want to participate in this worthy cause but are not a runner, there are other ways to join in the fun. “My family loves to attend and be part of the event, so we have something for everyone,” Frazier says.
The family-friendly event includes kids’ activities, live music, and a one-mile walk/ run, which welcomes strollers. With Halloween right around the corner, there will also be a dog and owner costume contest.
Last year’s event raised a record $30,000, and Frazier says Parkside hopes to set a record to help even more families in need.
A Lifeline for Families
“For many people, being admitted to an inpatient mental health hospital is the worst day of their lives,” Frazier says. “And if you’re suffering from severe mental illness, it’s difficult to hold down a job, much less support your family. The By Your Side patient assistance program is a lifeline for many of our patients and their families. We want our patients to thrive, and we never want them to choose between making a utility payment or buying groceries.”
If you would like to contribute but cannot attend the event, donations can be made online any time at https://parksideinc.org/donate.
For more information about the event, visit https://parksideinc.org/about-us/by-yourside-run/. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Derek Frazier at (918) 586-4251 or [email protected].
