The second annual Muttmazing Race, hosted by Seattle's own CityDog Magazine, kicks off at the rockin' South Lake Union Block Party this Friday, Aug. 8 from noon to 7 p.m.

Inspired by the TV show "The Amazing Race," contestants compete in the Muttmazing Race with their furry, four-legged teammates in a variety of fun challenges for a chance to win great prizes and raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter's Help the Animals Fund.

All dogs are welcome ... little dogs, big dogs, three-legged dogs, funny looking dogs (you get the idea). Challenges are designed to be fun first and might include bobbing for tennis balls; finding a hidden treat; performing tricks for treats; or maneuvering a short maze. Individual challenges will be timed and the team with the fastest overall time wins the grand prize.

In between challenges, you can check out vendor booths, sample foods from South Lake Union neighborhood restaurants, listen to live music and hang out in the special dog area -- all as part of the South Lake Union Block Party. The festivities end with the top finalists from NWsource.com's Best Pet Pics strutting their stuff down the catwalk plus an outdoor movie screening of "Juno." And it's all dog-friendly!

When: Friday, Aug. 8, check-in anytime between noon and 6 p.m. The overall race should take less than an hour to complete, but since only the challenges are timed, you can enjoy all of the Block Party festivities at your leisure. The race should be wrapped up no later than 7 p.m. with the winners for first, second and last place announced on stage around 8:30 p.m.

Where: Northwest corner of Westlake & Denny, Seattle 

Race Cost: $10.00 (100% goes to the Seattle Animal Shelter). Those with opposable thumbs can save time and pre-register their teams online at muttmazingrace.com.

Sponsors of the CityDog Muttmazing Race include: Urban Beast, Scraps Dog Bakery, Downtown Dog Lounge, Dog Is Good, Fetch!, Spawz Dog, Natura Pet Products, Blue Buffalo, All the Best, Healing Place for Animals, Wellness and Pooper Trooper.

For more information about the Muttmazing Race and to pre-register your pooch for the event, please visit muttmazingrace.com.

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