Janet Velenovsky waved to a cheering crowd and gave a handshake to her golden retriever.

Velenovsky also performed a brief dance to the song "Who Let the Dogs Out?" in celebration of Piper's victory in the Breeder's Choice XTERRA K9 Challenge yesterday at Brown's Island. At one point, nearly 100 people watched as more than 20 dogs competed in a short obstacle course, with their masters running them around on leashes.

The dog challenge was one of many events held at Brown's Island and other locations for yesterday's James River Adventure Games. Other events were a 10K trail run, a 1-mile open water swim, bicycle races, tree climbing, rafting and kayaking. There also were a photo contest, Segway rides and reel casting. A fireworks display capped off the evening. The two-day annual event continues today with an off-road triathlon.

Dogs competing in the obstacle course started with a short run, then had to cross a narrow, wobbly plank, leading to a tunnel and a seesaw, before ending with two jumps over logs. There was a small pool for the pets and plenty of water bowls scattered around.

Each competing dog was timed, and they were docked points if they failed to complete an obstacle. Piper finished in 18.3 seconds, andVelenovsky and Piper won a year's worth of dog food.

Some dogs had to be forced through the tunnel, and quite a few were plagued by uncertainty when they encountered the seesaw.

Richmond resident Emily Griffey took her dog Sydney through the obstacle course. The dog had taken an agility class once before.

"We might have to sign up for classes again," Griffey said, "but I don't think she's going to be a competitive dog."

Tree climbing was an attraction for a lot of children. They were able to climb about 35 feet high while being spotted with a rope and pulley.

Sawyer Gaffney, 11, and his twin brother, Draden, did some climbing. Sawyer said he has climbed about twice as high in trees in his yard in Chesterfield County. Lee Parsons, 5, only climbed a few feet before he was let back down to the ground. "I want to go get some ice cream," he said.

Free bicycle helmets were available yesterday. Heather Board was fitting one onto the head of Anthony Dasher, 11, of Chesterfield. Anthony said he doesn't always wear a helmet. "I know that I won't fall," he said with confidence.

"I stay away from biking," Anthony added. "I like basketball better."

Not far away, 9-year-old Kieran Fraser won a bicycle race for children ages 7 through 12. He cruised through the finish line with both arms raised victorious.

"It's a really tough race," he said, still panting. "I don't know exactly who, but someone was right on my tail."

He said he had been looking forward to the race and thought he might win. But he also praised the kids he had left in the dust.

"Some really good competitors," Kieran said.