Howl at the Hill 4K Ruff Run

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Join us for a fun-filled day on the trails with your canine companion at Howl at the Hill: Ruff Trail Run & Obstacle Course ! This unique event is designed for dogs and the people who love them, combining a scenic trail adventure with exciting obstacle challenges in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.

Event Overview

• Distance: Approximately 2 miles
• Format: Un-timed and non-competitive
• Who Can Participate: Community members and their friendly, healthy dogs
• Location: Orange County, North Carolina
• Purpose: Fundraiser benefiting the development of the North Carolina Disaster Dog Training Center & Public Safety Dogs Inc.

Whether you walk, jog, or run, this event is about having fun, building community, and creating lasting memories with your four-legged family member.

Benefiting a Great Cause

Howl at the Hill is hosted by OGK9 LLC to support Public Safety Dogs Inc. and the development of the North Carolina Disaster Dog Training Center in Orange County, NC. This future training facility will help prepare and develop canine teams that serve communities during disasters, missing person searches, and emergency response operations throughout North Carolina and beyond.

What to Expect

Participants will enjoy:

• A rugged 2-mile trail course
• 8 Fun dog-friendly obstacle challenges
• Opportunities to meet fellow dog lovers
• Demonstrations and information about working and search-and-rescue dogs
• Vendor and sponsor activities
• A family-friendly atmosphere for all ages

Dog Requirements

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants:

• Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
• Dogs must be current on vaccinations.
• Dogs should be comfortable around people and other dogs.
• Aggressive or disruptive dogs may be asked to leave without refund.
• Participants are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking or running shoes
• Water for you and your dog
• A standard leash (no retractable leashes recommended)
• Waste bags
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• A positive attitude and sense of adventure

Safety

This event is designed for fun and participation rather than competition. Participants should move at a pace that is safe and comfortable for themselves and their dogs. Event staff and volunteers will be positioned throughout the course to assist as needed.

Thank You

Your participation directly supports the future of disaster dog training and search-and-rescue readiness in North Carolina. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more prepared community—one paw at a time.

Two Miles. One Mission. Endless Tail Wags.

Financial Disclosures

Thank you for supporting our urban search and rescue canine community. Your participation in Howl at the Hill: Ruff Trail Run & Obstacle Course helps advance the development of the North Carolina Disaster Dog Training Center , a project dedicated to strengthening canine search and rescue capabilities throughout our state. It also supports Public Safety Dogs Inc. , a nationally recognized North Carolina non-profit dedicated to supporting law enforcement and fire-rescue programs by donating trained dogs at no-cost.

Please read the following financial disclosure carefully before completing your registration.

This event is organized, managed, and hosted by OGK9 LLC , a for-profit limited liability company. As such, registration fees and other event purchases are not tax-deductible charitable contributions .

OGK9 LLC will donate 50% of the proceeds from every Ruff Run ticket and Fun Walk/Run ticket sold to Public Safety Dogs, Inc. , a nonprofit organization that supports police and public safety working dog programs, including animal shelter improvements, food, medications, and other animal care needs.

The remaining proceeds will be retained by OGK9 LLC to support the planning, operation, and development of the North Carolina Disaster Dog Training Center in Orange County, North Carolina.

All registrations are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable . The event will be held rain or shine unless canceled by organizers due to safety concerns or circumstances beyond their control.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand this disclosure regarding the use of event proceeds and the organizations benefiting from your participation.

Assumption of Risk

Participation in outdoor recreational activities involving dogs carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Falls, slips, trips, and other physical injuries
• Uneven terrain, natural obstacles, and environmental hazards
• Contact with other participants, spectators, dogs, wildlife, or event equipment
• Dog bites, scratches, or other animal-related injuries
• Weather-related conditions, including heat, rain, mud, and other natural elements

By participating in this event, each participant knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation for themselves, their family members, guests, and dogs.

Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate in Howl at the Hill, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and anyone acting on my behalf, hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless OGK9 LLC, Public Safety Dogs, Inc., University of North Carolina, event sponsors, property owners, volunteers, vendors, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to participation in the event, including those resulting from personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss of a dog, except where prohibited by applicable law.

Veterinary Care Authorization

I understand that event organizers are not responsible for providing veterinary care. In the event of an emergency involving my dog, I authorize emergency veterinary treatment deemed necessary if I cannot be immediately contacted. I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for all associated veterinary expenses.

Photography and Media Release

By participating in this event, I grant OGK9 LLC, Public Safety Dogs, Inc., and their partners permission to photograph, record, and use my image, likeness, voice, and my dog's image for promotional, educational, and marketing purposes without compensation.

Participant Acknowledgment

By completing registration and participating in this event, I acknowledge that:

1. I have read and understand this Participant Information, Assumption of Risk, and Waiver.
2. I understand the financial disclosure regarding the use of event proceeds.
3. I voluntarily accept all risks associated with participation.
4. I agree to comply with all event rules and instructions.
5. I certify that I am legally authorized to register myself and any dog participating in this event.

I understand that my electronic registration and signature constitute a legally binding agreement.