In 124 days · Sun, Oct 18, 2026
When
Sunday, October 18th, 2026
Where
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater NJ
Distances
5K · 10K
About this race
Join Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter
The Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash is a major fundraiser for the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS) and a wag of a great time! The annual event draws animal lovers from all over to share the day with and in honor of four-legged friends. In addition to the official 5K and 10K events, the day includes vendors, food, and of course, a chance to meet FURiends.
The Cupid Fund
- Purpose: The Cupid Fund is a special fund dedicated to helping our shelter animals that require extraordinary medical treatment.
- Coverage: The fund provides care for any animal needing more than the basics- spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping.
- Funding: All medical tests, blood work, specialist consults, surgery, treatment of illnesses, etc. are paid for by donations to FOSRAS Cupid Fund.
- Website: Please visit our website at: https://www.fosras.com
Race Details
- Location: Friends, participants, and canines will run/walk the flat trails and picturesque backdrop of the USATF-NJ Certified Course at Duke Island Park.
- Awards: There will be Overall Winner Awards and Age Group Awards.
- Dogs: Dogs can join the race starting at 9:20 AM and are required to start at the back of the starting group behind the runners. Registered dogs receive a doggy goody bag (while supplies last).
Kiddie Dash Details
- Age 4 and under: 25 yard dash
- Ages 5-7: 50 yard dash
- Finisher Prize: All kiddie dash participants will receive a finisher prize.
- T-shirts: Participants registered by September 15th are guaranteed a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt. During registration, there is an option to forgo the t-shirt.
Registration Fees
- 10K Run: $50 (human entry only)
- 5K Run/Walk: $40 + $5/dog
- Kids 10 and under: $15
- Kiddie Dash: $12
Dog Policy
- Leads: Please refrain from using Flexi leads, only 6’ leads or less allowed.
- Health: All Dogs must be current on shots and no females in heat.
- Behavior: Please do not bring pets whose behavior may endanger others.
- Cleanup: Participants must clean up after their pet and provide appropriate feces collection bags for such use.
Course Links
- Certified 10K Course: Coming soon
- Certified 5K Course: https://www.certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=NJ16520JHP
Event Schedule
- 8:30 AM: Registration Opens
- 9:10 AM: Kiddie Dash
- 9:25 AM: 5K & 10K Run/Walk Start
- 10:15 AM: 5K Awards Ceremony
- 10:40 AM: 10K Award Ceremony
- 10:45 AM: Doggy Costume Contest
- 9:00-12:00 PM: Vendors open
Awards
- Overall Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for both Male & Female in the 5K.
- Age Categories: Top 3 5K finishers, male & female in various age categories.
Race Bibs
We use Chronotrack RFID systems for chip timing. All awards will be calculated based on chip time, not gun time.
Sponsorships Available!
Email heartandsole5knj@gmail.com to participate!
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Race Information
Event Date: 2026-10-18 at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, NJ.
For more information, visit: Event Page
Course map
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