Erie is Going to the Dogs This Weekend

Dog lovers who think their pups are the fastest in Erie will soon have an opportunity to find out, as the Erie Kennel Club hosts its first-ever AKC Fast CAT® competition in Erie, Pa. The event will be hosted Sept. 18-19 at Harborcreek Community Park, 5850 Firman Rd.

Fast CAT®, which stands for Coursing Ability Test, is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time chasing a lure. To participate, dogs must be a minimum of 12 months old, have an AKC number and be physically sound.

Each dog’s time to complete the 100 yard dash will be converted into miles per hour. The fastest dog in each height division will be announced at the end of the weekend’s events.

“To watch your dog at top speed, ears back, eyes focused and legs strong is nothing short of awe-inspiring,” said Taylor Hayes, event secretary. “The Erie Kennel Club is thrilled to be able to host this event in Erie, and so grateful for the support of the Erie Sports Commission to bring it to life. I’m eager to see the drive in these dogs on full display, and hope the public comes out to see it as well!”

Check in begins at 8:45 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with trials running from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

In addition to the Fast CAT® competition, fun runs will be offered both Saturday and Sunday, and are open to any dog wishing to participate. This is a very beginner-friendly, no-pressure opportunity for dogs to try lure coursing. Fun runs will begin at noon each day for $10 per run. AKC registration is not required for a fun run. Experienced staff will be on-site to assist.

Cindy Noland Photography will be taking photos at the runs, with images available for purchase post-event. The event is open to spectators at no cost. Non-competing leashed dogs are also welcome.

Registration is open now. Entry is $20 per event for pre-entry, and $25 per event on event day. Registration forms for the AKC Fast CAT® are available at https://www.eriekennelclub.com/. Information on the fun run, as well as event updates, are available on Facebook.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.