Welcome to our "Coolest Things" series. Each week, the running editors at ACTIVE.com will tell you about the coolest things happening in the running industry so you're never a step (or fartlek) behind. See last week's post here.
Your Picture Could Be Featured on a Boston Marathon Banner
This year, you don't have to be registered for the Boston Marathon to be seen running on the course.
Race sponsor John Hancock has created a social media campaign that could feature your picture on a Boston Marathon race banner. The company, which hangs hundreds of banners along the course each year, is inviting the public to create an image of themselves—or anyone, for that matter—that could end up on one of 26 banners near the finish line.
To enter, visit the RunBold website and create an image with an inspirational overlay (options include "Determination," "Passion," "Gratitude," "Strength" and "Heart," among others). You can then either save the image for your own use or, to be considered for the banners, share it on social media using the hashtag #RunBold.
Entries must be submitted by March 21, 2016 to be eligible for a feature on one of the banners. Images for the #RunBold banners will be chosen based on originality, uniqueness and quality of the photo.
Austin Organization Matches Runners with Shelter Dogs for Exercise
Love running? Love dogs? We found the perfect opportunity for you.
Photo Credit: Karen Hardwick.
The RuffTail Runners, an organization in Austin, Texas, lets volunteers "check out" dogs from a local animal shelter (Austin Pets Alive!) and take them on runs and walks in the area.
Getting the dogs out of their cages helps them expel some of the energy and stress that can come with living in a shelter environment, which in turn, leads to a happier, healthier, more adoptable dog.
To attract the interest of those on the often-crowded Austin trails, the dogs wear canine-specific vests that say "Adopt Me." While the dogs are not adoptable right there on the trail, those interested in welcoming a new family member are encouraged to visit the shelter to complete the adoption.
The organization has now grown to multiple locations across Central Texas and has received interest from cities around the world looking to start their own chapter.
To become a RuffTail Runner, check out the organization's website and sign up for an upcoming training class. Volunteers must go through a two-hour training program before they're able to take the dogs out. Volunteers can also graduate to different classes of dogs as they get more hours of experience.