Mark Henry, Julia Gschwind to lead Austin dog walk

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry and Austin boxing coach Julia Gschwind will lead the 26th annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo on Nov. 14 at Camp Mabry.

The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will benefit Service Dogs, Inc., an Austin-area nonprofit that trains shelter dogs to assist people with disabilities and other needs.

Organizers expect approximately 2,000 dogs and their owners to participate in the annual fundraiser, which features a one-mile walk, costume contests, dog activities and an outdoor expo.

This year’s theme, “Good Sports,” celebrates athletic achievement and community involvement. Henry and Gschwind will serve as grand marshals.

“Mark Henry and Coach Julia epitomize ‘Good Sports’ with their personal achievements and contributions to the community,” said Sheri Soltes, founder of Service Dogs, Inc. and organizer of the event.

Henry, a Texas native, represented the United States in weightlifting at two Olympic Games. He also won the inaugural Arnold Strongman Classic and held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Known professionally as the “World’s Strongest Man,” Henry was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

Gschwind founded the Austin Women’s Boxing Club in 2007. According to event organizers, it was the nation’s first all-women’s boxing club.

She is a USA Boxing Gold Level coach, a regional Golden Gloves champion and a former German state boxing champion. She also holds a fourth-degree black belt in Kajukenbo.

Gschwind co-founded HeadStrong Girl’s Boxing and has coached women ranging from beginners to national-level competitors.

The event will include a one-mile walking route through Camp Mabry, with military aircraft displays providing part of the backdrop.

Additional activities include dog costume competitions, scent-based games and agility challenges. Vendors will offer pet-related products and services throughout the expo.

Organizers are encouraging participants to dress their dogs in sports-themed clothing as part of an attempt to establish a world record for the most dogs wearing sports gear.

The organization says the event has previously established 13 world records.

Proceeds will support Service Dogs, Inc., which was founded in 1988 and provides trained service dogs at no cost to eligible recipients.

The nonprofit trains shelter dogs to assist people with hearing loss, mobility limitations and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its programs also serve wounded veterans and first responders.

The organization provides specially trained dogs to support children who have experienced trauma, including those participating in court proceedings.

General admission costs $40 per person, with a discounted $30 ticket available using the promotional code EARLY. VIP and group ticket options are also offered.

Admission allows one leashed dog per handler. Parking is free at Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St. in Austin.

Additional information and tickets are available through the Mighty Texas Dog Walk website.