Winter Blues Buster - Online walking event

❄️ Winter Blues Buster 2026

January 19 – February 2, 2026

Benefiting the Mat‑Su Animal Shelter

Shake off the winter slump, get moving, and make a difference for animals in need. The Winter Blues Buster is a two‑week hybrid event designed to bring our community together through movement, connection, and compassion — all while raising funds for the Mat‑Su Animal Shelter.

Whether you’re walking, snowshoeing, sledding, or mushing, every mile helps brighten the season for both people and pets.

💙 How It Works

Adults contribute $5 or more to join the fundraiser. Kids participate for free — because building healthy habits and compassion starts young.

Choose your distance goal and earn miles your way, indoors or outdoors, in person or online.

Adult Distance Options

5k, 10k, or 25k
Regular miles for walking, hiking, or snowshoeing
Double miles for walking a shelter dog
Half miles for ski‑joring or mushing

Kids’ Distance Options

2k, 5k, or 8k
Regular miles for walking, sledding, or ice skating
Double miles for walking a shelter dog (with an adult)

🏔️ In‑Person Events with Janina, owner of Healthy K9 Companion

Join the community for energizing, heart‑warming outdoor meetups:

All‑Levels Community Walk — a friendly, social stroll to kick things off
Intermediate Snowshoe Hike — get your heart pumping and your cheeks rosy
Intro to Mushing — learn the basics; bring your dog wearing a pulling harness
Shelter Dog Walk — help a pup stretch their legs while earning double miles

🌐 Online Participation

Prefer to move on your own schedule? Track your miles daily or as often as you can from anywhere. Every step still supports the shelter and keeps you motivated through the winter stretch.

🎁 Prizes & Motivation

Participants will be entered to win fun prizes — because doing good should feel good, too. Stay active, stay consistent, and keep cheering on your fellow Winter Blues Busters.