Run for the Animals 5K

🐾 Run for the Animals 5K

Please join us for the 30th Annual Run for the Animals 5K on Sunday, October 5th!

• Event Type: Timed 5K run/walk at Karst Farm Park.
• Beneficiary: Proceeds benefit the programs and services of the Monroe County Humane Association.
• New Partnership: Partnering with Perfect Timing Race Management.
• Course Layout: Starts at Karst Farm Park, loops through Monroe County Fairgrounds.

🎉 Event Changes

We’re making it easier for participants and families to celebrate together. The awards ceremony and sponsor booths will now be located near the start/finish line, making for a more centralized, festive atmosphere—and faster results posting!

• Barktoberfest Relocation: The event will now feature raffles and contests post-awards ceremony.
• Open Participation: You don’t have to be registered in the 5K to participate in the raffle and pet contests!
• Meet Sponsors: Stop by to say hello to various sponsors on site.
• Participating Sponsors: The Dog House, German American Bank, Mad 4 My Dog, and more.

📅 Event Schedule

Saturday, October 4

• 5:00–7:00 PM: Preregistered Packet Pick-up at Karst Farm Park Commons Bldg.

Sunday, October 5

• 8:00 AM: Packet Pick-up & Onsite Registration Opens.
• 9:20 AM: Registration Closes, Trainer-led Group Stretch.
• 9:30 AM: 5K Run/Walk Begins.
• 10:30 AM: 5K Run/Walk Awards Ceremony.
• 11:00 AM: Pet Costume Contest, Fastest Peanut Butter Licker Contest, & Raffle Winners Announced.

🐶 Important Notice for Canine Participants

As required by the state of Indiana, all dogs must be up to date on the rabies vaccination. 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. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and fun event for everyone!

🏆 5K Award Categories

• Top 3 Overall Men's: 5K.
• Top 3 Overall Women's: 5K.
• Top 3 Youth (12 & under): Male & Female 5K.
• Top Canine: 5K.

❤️ Support the Cause

This event is so important to MCHA and our ability to provide the many programs and services that would otherwise not exist in our community. MCHA advocates for a more humane future for the pets in our community by being a provider of accessible veterinary care through our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, E. Susan Bartlett Crisis Housing Program, Emergency Pet Food & Supply Pantry, Therapy Animal Program, Street Outreach Program, and more. Many lives, human and animal alike, are touched by the work of MCHA. This is only possible thanks to the generous support of our community! MCHA is a private 501c3 non-profit that receives no funding from national organizations or tax dollars.

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!

For more information, please visit the official race page.