1. Race for Rescue Pets and Community Spirit at Paces for Paws in Maine
Held at the Belfast Rail Trail, Paces for Paws is a 5k race that was created to raise funds for dogs at the PAWS Animal Adoption Center. The 5k race starts at eight o'clock in the morning, but runners can check in as early as seven o'clock. Non-runners are welcome to participate in Paces for Paws as well; a mile-long family-friendly walk begins an hour and a half after the 5k race starts, and participants are invited to come dressed in their favorite silly costumes. Dogs are welcome to participate in both events, but leashes are required.
Phone: 207-236-8702
2. Honor Heroes and Race With Your Pup at Puppies & Patriots 5K in South Carolina
As you might guess from the name, the Puppies & Patriots 5K Run & 1-Mile Dog Walk was established to raise funds for service dogs that belong to military veterans. There are two different parts of the event attendees can choose to participate in: a timed 5k race and a mile-long dog walk. Awards are given to the winners of the 5k race, and all dogs who participate in the race will receive a medal. Participants are asked to register in advance, and anyone who would like to support the cause without walking or running themselves can choose to sponsor someone else.
Phone: 864-656-3453
3. If Fun Runs and Furry Friends Make You Smile, Join Clarence Bark in the Park
Clarence Bark in the Park is an annual event proudly hosted by the Clarence Lions Club, and it takes place every Memorial Day Weekend. A wide variety of dog contests are held, and prizes are given for everything from most patriotic to curliest tail to best owner look-a-like. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt, a dog kissing booth, and a raffle. A small donation is requested from each guest; all proceeds to support local non-profit organizations. Every family is given a special welcome bag full of goodies as long as supplies last.
4. Run for a Cause and Support Pet Rescues at Rescue Run in Ohio
Taking place every year at McFerson Commons Park in the city of Columbus, the Rescue Run is a fun walk and race for people and their favorite furry friends. Owners are asked to keep their dogs on a short leash so they don't trip other event participants, and free dog water is provided. Participants can choose between 5k and 1-mile options; both events take place at the same time and on the same course, but the turn-around spots are well-marked. The race begins every year at exactly nine o'clock in the morning, and race packets can be picked up the day before the race.
Phone: 614-738-2149
5. Celebrate Paws, Play, and Community at Bark in the Park in California
Held to support the Valley Animal Center, Bark in the Park is the perfect event for anyone who wants to combine their love of baseball with their love of dogs. The event is held in the Fresno ballpark at the end of May, and special dog companion tickets can be purchased by anyone who wants to enjoy the game in the company of their furry friend. Advance tickets can be purchased online; tickets are available at the gate as well, but pet owners are asked to fill out a dog registration form and bring it with them.
Video, Phone: 559-320-2535
6. Dash for Dogs and Enjoy Tail-Wagging Fun at Furry Skurry in Ohio
Founded by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton to help bring as many dogs as possible out of homelessness, the Furry Skurry is a pet-friendly 5k run/walk and festival that takes place at the Eastwood MetroPark. Festival activities include live entertainment and local music performances, dog contests, food and beverage trucks, a children's play zone, and more than 30 dog-related vendors. Race participants are all given a t-shirt, a goodie bag, a free pancake breakfast, a participation medal, and free entry to the festival; all other guests are asked to give a small donation.
Phone: 937-268-7387
7. Lace Up and Save Lives at the PAWS Chicago 5K Walk-Run
Hosted by VCA Animal Hospitals, PAWS Chicago 5K Walk-Run holds the honor of being the biggest charity walk in the city that's open to both dogs and people. The main event is a 5k walk/run that takes place at the Montrose Harbor, but there are also live entertainment performances, giveaways, food and beverage tents, and activities like yoga and children's games. Everyone who registers and participates will receive a t-shirt; additional prizes and rewards are offered for people who raise $100 or more. The walk and run portions of the event take place separately, and dogs are not permitted on the run portion.
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