Red Dog’s Dog Days are now back at Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium.

Today is the first day of the free summer workout program, with sessions at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The free program, which is starting its 23rd summer, is organized by Don “Red Dog” Gardner, a retired police officer, his wife, Beverly, and many volunteers.

The summer conditioning program consists of running, calisthenics and step-climbing at the stadium and runs around campus.

Donations are taken from local businesses and individuals to help pay for T-shirts awarded to those who participate throughout the summer and for popsicles handed out after the Saturday runs.

Beverly Gardner said she and Red Dog were still trying to determine how many times will be required to get a T-shirt. An announcement would be made soon at the workouts, she said.

Red Dog's Dog Day runners start on one of two laps at Memorial Stadium at a previous year's event. Participants of all ages join in the annual exercise program, which starts today.

June workouts will be at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the stadium. On Saturdays, a run/walk workout will start at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at the Lied Center parking lot on KU’s west campus.

The July 5 through August 10 schedule will be:

¢ Mondays through Thursdays, 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

¢ Saturdays at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at the Lied Center.

The final Summer Dog Days session (T-shirt day) will be at noon Aug. 11 at the stadium.

The workouts will be canceled if there is lightning. If there is rain, it will continue, with the workout under the stadium or in the Kansas Union parking garage.