Greyhounds will be taking to Tauranga waterfront this weekend as part of the annual Great Global Greyhound Walk.

Twenty walks are planned across the country, including one in Tauranga, on Sunday, September 27, with organisers hoping participants will collectively cover 3000km in a single day.

The Greyhound Walk will meet at Robbins Park on Cliff Rd at 11am for a 45-minute stroll, a statement to NZME said.

The event brings together greyhounds, their owners, supporters and local communities while raising awareness of greyhound adoption and rehoming opportunities.

Greyhound Transition Agency chief executive Christine Bennett said the walks offered the perfect chance for people to meet the dogs in a relaxed setting.

“Greyhounds are calm, affectionate and full of personality. There’s no better way to understand their appeal than spending some time with them,” Bennett said.

“On September 27, we’re inviting people to do exactly that. Come along and see for yourself what makes them such special companions.”

The nationwide walks are organised by adoption agencies, greyhound groups and volunteers, with support from the Greyhound Rehoming Project.

Greyhounds and their owners will hit the streets across New Zealand this Sunday as part of the Great Global Greyhound Walk, with 20 walks aiming to cover a combined 3000km.

This year’s event comes as New Zealand’s greyhound rehoming sector continues to prepare former racing dogs for life as household pets following the end of greyhound racing. A total of 1249 greyhounds have begun the transition to retirement and adoption.

Bennett said there had already been strong interest from New Zealanders considering giving a greyhound a home.

“Our greyhounds are being prepared for life as pets and more will be ready for adoption in the months ahead.

“Whether you’re simply curious about greyhounds or might consider one as a pet in the future, now is a great time to get to know them.”

The walks are free and open to the public. This year’s theme, Mythical Mutts, encourages greyhounds and their owners to dress up as dragons, unicorns, fairies and other fantasy characters.