Run for the Animals 5K

Event Overview

Please join us for the 31st Annual Run for the Animals 5K on Sunday, October 4th!

• Event Type: Timed 5K run/walk at Karst Farm Park.
• Beneficiary: Proceeds benefit programs and services of Monroe County Humane Association.
• Registration Perks: Each registration includes an official Run for the Animals t-shirt.
• New Features: Separate start times for runners and walkers in 2026!

Event Details

The course starts at Karst Farm Park and loops through the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The awards ceremony and sponsor booths are now located near the start/finish line, making it easier for participants and families to celebrate together—and for faster results posting! After the awards, stick around for the raffles and fan-favorite pet contests! You don't have to be registered in the 5K to participate in the raffle and pet contests!

We anticipate welcoming hundreds of runners, walkers, and furry friends to this event! Don’t miss this great opportunity to support animal welfare in our community!

Event Schedule

Saturday, October 3

• 2:30-5 PM: Preregistered Packet Pick-up at Karst Farm Park Commons Bldg.

Sunday, October 4

• 8:00 AM: Packet Pick-up & Onsite Registration Opens
• 9:15 AM: Registration Closes
• 9:30 AM: 5K Run Begins
• 9:35 AM: 5K Walk Begins
• 10:30 AM: 5K Run/Walk Awards Ceremony
• 11:00 AM: Pet Contests & Raffle Winners Announced

Important Notice for Canine Participants

• Vaccination Requirement: All dogs must be up to date on the rabies vaccination.
• Participant Limit: Runners and walkers are only allowed one dog per registrant.
• Spay/Neuter Policy: Only spayed/neutered dogs are permitted to participate.
• Leash Policy: All dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Retractable leashes are not permitted.

5K Award Categories

• Top 3 Overall Men's 5K
• Top 3 Overall Women's 5K
• Top 3 Youth (12 & under) Male 5K
• Top 3 Youth (12 & under) Female 5K
• Top Male & Top Female 13-17 years
• Top Male & Top Female 18-24 years
• Top Male & Top Female 25-29 years
• Top Male & Top Female 30-39 years
• Top Male & Top Female 40-49 years
• Top Male & Top Female 50-59 years
• Top Male & Top Female 60+ years
• Top 2 Canine 5K

About Monroe County Humane Association

Run for the Animals is an important fundraiser for MCHA and directly supports programs and services that would otherwise be limited or unavailable in our community. MCHA works to create a more humane future for pets and the people who love them. Every program we provide is focused on keeping pets healthy, keeping them in loving homes, and keeping them out of shelters whenever possible. That includes our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, Crisis Housing Program, Emergency Pet Food & Supply Pantry, Spay/Neuter Assistance Program, Street Outreach, and other community-based services.

Each year, thousands of pets and their families are impacted by MCHA’s work. These programs are only possible because of the generosity of our community, donors, participants, and sponsors.

Registration Info

For more information and to register, please visit Run for the Animals 5K.