Eighty-eight people entered the 8th annual Marquette Mile Dog Dash, a one mile human-canine run/walk preceding Marquette’s Independence Day parade on July 3. Names of winners in various categories appear at the end of this report. The field consisted of about one third competitive runners and two-thirds walkers, out for an enjoyable stroll with Fido.

The overall (human) male winner was Jerad Patterson and his dog Trapper of Marquette in a time of 5 minutes, 36 seconds. Jerad is the youngest ever to win the event.

The overall female winner, for the third consecutive year, was Dani Jaklin, with her dog Duke, of Negaunee, in a time of 6:23. With this victory the Jaklin team is the winningest in Dog Dash history. The two overall winners each received a $50 merchandise certificate donated by Mares-Z-Doats, custom embroidered “Dog Dash Champion” neckerchief, and trophy.

A special “challenged canine” award was given to Shelly Johnson’s (Marquette) beagle Lucy. Lucy has not let having only three feet stop her leading a normal life; she completed the event in fine shape, as she has Dog Dashes in previous years.

The costume contest was won by Todd Hennigan’s dog Banshee, dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Banshee entertained the parade crowd by walking the entire route in costume. Special “Dog Dash Crowd Pleaser” recognition was given to Beth Wallace and Dune, who as Nordic Opera singers dazzled spectators along the course.

An adult Spiderman was spotted running the Dog Dash, while a junior Spidey was observed cruising the course in a wagon alongside his canine friend Ruby. Plenty of water was available for the dogs prior to the event and on the course, thanks to the Marquette City Fire Department filling several kiddie pools with cool water that afternoon. Heritage Motors once again provided a pool and sprinkler along the route, and farther east, the owners of American Nameplate also hosted a pool. Drinking water for the human and canine athletes was provided at the finish line, where Frisbee-type flying discs donated by Wells Fargo doubled as canine water dishes.

All participating teams received dog neckerchiefs crafted by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and, at the finish line, coveted ceramic dog bone finisher medals crafted by Marquette Senior High School students in Brenda Striler's art class. In addition to a trophy, the second overall male and female finishers each received a $35 gift certificate donated by the Pet Stop, while the third place finishers received $25 Target gift cards provided by the Marquette Area 4th of July Committee.

Participants shared in other awards and prizes, including miscellaneous items furnished by the Marquette Area 4th of July Committee; four dogsled ride certificates donated by the Snowy Plains Kennel; and two sweatshirts donated by the Screened Image. The organizers wish to thank the businesses, organizations, volunteers, and participants for making the event so successful and enduring.

2004 Marquette Mile Dog Dash Costume Contest - Results
(Mark and Walt of Sunny 102 Assisted with judging)