Photo provided by Run With the Dogs 5k.

The 11th annual Run With the Dogs fundraiser is set for Saturday, Jan. 9.

The 5K race raises money for the Decatur High and Renfroe Middle School athletic programs.

Organizers say the “dogs” in the title initially referred to the Decatur Bulldog athletes, but over the years, the race has turned into a canine-friendly event with runners actually bringing their dogs.

Organizer Michael Harbin said, “We are one of only a few run/walk events that openly invite dog owners to bring their canine companions. Each of the past two events have included over 100 dogs.”

[adsanity id=27331 align=aligncenter /]

Harbin said canine participants even get a race-kerchief, while human participants will get a t-shirt.

And a local dog’s portrait is featured on the poster each year. Harbin said Sadie, a yellow lab from Winnona Park, won the raffle last year and is on the 2016 Run with the Dogs poster. Local artist Adam Pinsley painted the poster art.

The run/walk event begins and ends in front of Decatur High School. The event starts at 9 a.m. and registration begins at 8 a.m. It costs $35 to register; $25 for city of Decatur students, teachers, employees, or if you are on Team Decatur. More information on registering can be found on the Decatur Bulldog Boosters site.