EARS 5k Bun Run

The EARS bunnies need your help!

Rabbits make great family pets, but sadly, many face surrender, abandonment, or neglect. EARS is a dedicated no-kill shelter providing a second chance at happiness for these gentle creatures. Right now, we provide daily care for over 90 bunnies – that means a lot of food, cozy shelter, crucial vet visits, and even life-saving surgeries. As a 100% volunteer-run organization receiving no public funding, we rely entirely on the generosity of compassionate individuals like you.

The Urgent Need in Our Community:

Rabbits are the third most surrendered pet, yet most shelters lack the specialized knowledge and resources they require. Since 2013, EARS has been a lifeline, caring for over 475 domestic rabbits rescued from heartbreaking situations – surrenders, hoarding cases, cruelty, and abandonment.

Every step you take, every dollar you donate, makes a difference. Your participation in our upcoming events directly fuels our mission to provide proper care, including vital medical attention and spay/neuter surgeries, alongside the loving environment these rabbits need while they await their forever homes. Imagine Luna, a sweet bunny found abandoned in a park, who received the medical care she desperately needed thanks to your support and now thrives in a loving adoptive home!

We are also passionate about educating the community on the joys and responsibilities of having rabbits as indoor companions.

About EARS:

Erie Area Rabbit Society & Rescue (EARS) is the only rabbit-exclusive shelter in the Erie area. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to the welfare of rabbits, offering rescue, a nutritious diet, exercise, expert vet care, spay/neuter services, safety, and most importantly, love. We also provide crucial education on proper bunny care and work tirelessly to find them good indoor forever homes. As a 100% no-kill shelter, we depend entirely on private contributions to continue our vital work.

Join us for our upcoming events and help us make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals! Register today for the 5k Run/Race, 5k walk, or 1-mile walk and become a hero for the EARS bunnies! Your support ensures we can continue to provide a lifeline for vulnerable rabbits in our community.

Visit our website Erie Area Rabbit Society and Rescue to learn more!

Details:

When:

In Person: May 10th, 2025
5k Run: @ 9:00 am
5k and 1 Mile Walk : 9:05 am

Virtual: May 1st-May 10th

How to Participate in the Virtual Run:

You may start and end your run any time between 5/01/2025 and 12pm 5/10/2025. Log your time and report it back to us. Consider using a GPS watch or app on your iPhone or Android to record your run and to provide results to us. Some popular apps include Strava, Nike Run Club, FitBit, Map My Run and more.  Just make sure it tracks your distance and time! We'll send you the link to log your time in email and using a button on the "Results" tab.

How to Participate in the in-person Run / Walk:

Meet us at pavilion closest to the Harborcreek Community Park Field on May 10th 2025.  Day of registrations are allowed until 8:30am and the race starts promptly at 9am! The walk will begin shortly after the run.

Timing:

All timing for the virtual run is tracked by user submission. On 5/10/2025 a button will be right here for you to submit your time. We will also email you instructions.  All timing for the in-person run is tracked by our timing vendor Big White Trailer.  The 1 mile and 5K walk are not timed. The run is slightly over 5k and is available on MapMyRun and Strava.

Awards:

Awards will be given for the in-person 5k Run only.  We will award the Overall 1st Place winner and then the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers as well as 1st place male and female masters.  In addition to a medal we have a few unique awards for top these top finishers.

Giveaways:

The race premium this year is custom EARS Bun Run shirt!  you MUST register by April 25th 2025 to be guaranteed a shirt!  We will order a few extra shirts and registrants registering AFTER April 30th may receive one on race day on a first come first serve basis.  After the race we will provide basic nutrition such as water, bananas, apples, and granola. Pulakos, our valued sponsor will also provide a sweet treat for attendees as supplies last.

Sponsorship and Donations:

Contact Mark Badaracco or Kellie Clark for sponsorship information and basket donations. To make a monetary donation please click the Donate.

Packet Pick-up:

You have two options for packet pickup. 

1. Packets can be picked up starting at 7:30 am on the morning of the race at the race venue
2. Packets can be picked up at the EARS Bunny Bungalow on 05/09/2025 from 5:30-6:30 pm