In 15 days · Sun, Oct 4, 2026
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Sunday, October 4th, 2026
Karst Farm Park, Bloomington IN
5K
57–75°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 0 of the last 10 years
2025
61–82°F
dry
2024
54–78°F
dry
2023
63–86°F
dry
2022
44–71°F
dry
2021
62–72°F
dry
2020
47–57°F
dry
2019
56–69°F
dry
2018
65–79°F
dry
2017
66–77°F
dry
2016
57–79°F
dry
Best months to race in Indiana →
About this race
Run for the Animals 5K - Event Overview
Please join us for the 31st Annual Run for the Animals 5K on Sunday, October 4th!
Run for the Animals: is a timed 5K run/walk at Karst Farm Park, with all of the proceeds benefiting the programs and services of Monroe County Humane Association.
Registration Benefits: Each registration includes an official Run for the Animals t-shirt.
New in 2026: We’re introducing separate start times for runners and walkers! 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
- Rabies Vaccination: As required by the state of Indiana, all dogs must be up to date on the rabies vaccination.
- Dog Policy: Runners and walkers are only allowed one dog per registrant.
- Spayed/Neutered Requirement: Only spayed/neutered dogs are permitted to participate.
- Leash Policy: All dogs must remain on a leash at all times during the event. For safety reasons, retractable leashes are not permitted—only standard, non-retractable leashes are allowed.
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 &: Female: 13-17 years
- Top Male &: Female: 18-24 years
- Top Male &: Female: 25-29 years
- Top Male &: Female: 30-39 years
- Top Male &: Female: 40-49 years
- Top Male &: Female: 50-59 years
- Top Male &: Female: 60+ years
- Top 2 Canine: 5K
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.
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.
For further details, visit the event page: Run for the Animals 5K.
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Oct 3 – 5, 2026.
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