Paws for Brittany run set for May 8

Paws for Brittany is a fun run and dog walk in memory of animal lover Brittany Zimmermann. The walk/run starts and finishes in Wildwood Park in Marshfield and will be held on May 8. Organizers ask everyone to practice social distancing at the event. Funds raised benefit dayto- day operations at Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS).

Marshfield native Brittany Zimmermann was attending UW-Madison when she was attacked and murdered on April 2, 2008. Twelve years after the crime, an arrest was made on March 20, 2020, by Madison Police.

Brittany was an avid animal lover and advocate. Bringing comfort to Brittany’s parents, Kevin and Jean Zimmermann, are Brittany’s three beloved cats: Marvin, Felix, and Boo.

“We have chosen MAPS to keep Brittany’s memory alive because animals were such a huge part of her life,” said Jean. “She supported many shelters herself, so it made perfect sense for us to continue this.”

“As this event approaches every year, we are reminded of the tragic loss to our community and what the Zimmermann family lives with every day,” said MAPS Executive Director Karen Rau. “We hope our event and the gathering of so many caring individuals can bring joy to the family. Year after year this event feels more like a family reunion because many of the same people attend and plan their Mother’s Day weekend around this event.”

Registration at Wildwood Park begins at 8 a.m. on May 8, and the event starts at 9 a.m.

Registration must be received by April 23 to ensure an event T-shirt. T-shirts will include a new design this year courtesy of Heinzen Printing, with event date, and sponsor list. Through April 23, registration is $25/person age 13 and above. Registrations received April 24 and later will be $30/person. No fee is required for children 12 and under with paid registration. Extra adult and youth-sized event T-shirts are available for purchase through the online registration.

“We are encouraging people to come out to support, first and foremost, MAPS, as we need this shelter to help all the animals who are abandoned and need care,” said Jean. “Secondly, to remember a girl who had a passion for animals and was taken from us far too soon.”

Visit www.pawsforbrittany.com for more information and online registration.