FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PETCO Contacts:
Kalen Smith
(858) 453-7845 Ext. 7733
kalensm@petco.com |
PETCO Stores Host Hamster Races Nationwide
National Hamster Ball Derby Rolls into all PETCO Stores Oct. 4
SAN DIEGO (September 26, 2008) - PETCO, the nation's leading pet specialty retailer, will host its increasingly popular annual Hamster Ball Derby at more than 900 PETCO locations across the country on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. with practice rounds beginning at 1:30 p.m. Last year's race drew nearly 11,000 racing hamsters and their cheering pet parents.
Using hamster balls as their vehicles, hamsters will race down an eight-foot track in heats of four (hopefully, but not necessarily, toward the finish line).
First-place winners at each store will win their very own Hamtrac Circle Track from Super Pet, a hamster-size trophy, Disney's BOLT movie poster and bragging rights. Second-place winners will receive a finalist ribbon and 4-ounce Kaytee Hamster/Gerbil Garden Blend Stick; third-place racers will take home a finalist ribbon and PETCO brand hamster chew stick. All participants will receive a sticker reading "My pet ran in the Hamster Ball Derby."
Participants must bring their own hamsters and hamster balls to participate. Registration for the race is free. Spectators are encouraged to join in and cheer on their favorite competitors.
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) reports that there are approximately 9.6 million pet hamsters in the U.S.
The Hamster Ball Derby is open to hamsters, gerbils (where legal), mice and rats only - chinchillas, guinea pigs and other exotic animals will not be allowed to participate this year. All small animals will race in appropriate size balls that must be provided by the pet owner.
For more information and to find a participating location near you, visit www.petco.com/hamster.
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About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. The company operates more than 900 stores in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.PETCO.com. The PETCO Foundation, retailer's non profit organization, has raised more than $44 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, PETCO works with and supports more than 5,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for nearly 300,000 adoptable animals every year.