Duke Island Park, Bridgewater NJ
Sunday, October 5th, 2025
🐾 Important Announcement
- Shirts: Shirts are no longer available! If you have registered, you will receive a signup link for the doggie costume contest.
🌟 Event Overview
Join Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter as we come together to raise funds for the Cupid Fund. The Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run 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 event, the day includes vendors, food, and of course, a chance to meet FURiends.
❤️ The Cupid Fund
The Cupid Fund is a special fund dedicated to helping our shelter animals that require extraordinary medical treatment. The fund provides care for any animal needing more than the basics- spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping. All medical tests, blood work, specialist consults, surgery, treatment of illnesses, etc. are paid for by donations to FOSRAS Cupid Fund. Please visit our website at: https://www.fosras.com
🏃♂️ Race Details
Friends, participants, and canines will run/walk the flat trails and picturesque backdrop of the flat, fast, USATF-NJ Certified Course at Duke Island Park. There will be Overall Winner Awards and Age Group Awards. Walk or run with your dog!
- Start Time: 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.
- Doggy Goody Bags: Registered dogs receive a doggy goody bag (while supplies last).
- Kiddie Dash: 4 years old and under- 25 yard dash, 5-7 years old- 50 yard dash.
- Finisher Prize: All kiddie dash participants will receive a finisher prize.
Participants registered by September 5th are guaranteed a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt. During registration, there is an option to forgo the t-shirt.
Day of registration: Run/Walk- $40 + $5/dog, Kids 10 and under $15, Kiddie Dash: $12.
🐕 Guidelines for Participants
- Leads: Please refrain from using Flexi leads, only 6’ leads or less allowed.
- Health Requirements: 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.
📋 Certified 5K Course Link
🗓️ Event Schedule
- 8:30 AM: Registration Opens
- 9:10 AM: Kiddie Dash
- 9:25 AM: 5K Run/Walk Start
- 10:15 AM: 5K Awards Ceremony
- 10:45 AM: Doggy Costume Contest
- 9:00-12:00 PM: Vendors open
Vendors will be available until 12 PM.
🏆 Awards
Overall 1st place 5k - Male & Female
Overall 2nd place 5k - Male & Female
Overall 3rd place 5k - Male & Female
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!
📱 Follow Us!
Facebook: FOSRAS
Instagram: FOSRAS
Website: FOSRAS
📍 Race Information
Date: 2025-10-05
Location: Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, NJ
More Details: Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K Run/Walk
Course Map
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