MacDill's Paws 4 Heroes 5K (Formerly Paws for Patriots 5k)

Event Overview

The Dogs Inc's MacDill's Paws for Heroes 5K promises to be a fun event. It features chip timing on an accurate, but not certified 5k course in a scenic Tampa (Gadsden) park. Runners (and virtual runners) will receive both a shirt and finisher's medal.

Purpose of the Event

The cost to provide a guide dog for a veteran with a visual impairment or a service dog for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder is tens of thousands of dollars, yet veterans receive these extraordinary dogs at no cost. On behalf of American heroes who have sacrificed so much, this program serves active-duty soldiers and retired servicemen and women with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Registration Details

• Registration Deadline: Please register by 21 February 2027 to be guaranteed a race shirt.

FAQs

• Cancellation Policy: In the event that we are unable to conduct the event live, everyone will be converted to a virtual runner and we'll distribute your finisher medal and shirts.
• Race Day Registration: No. The city doesn't allow sales in the park so there will be no race day registration.
• Packet Pickup: We will have packet pickup on-site at Gadsden Park on race morning beginning at 7 AM.
• Dog Policy: If you will be participating with your service dog, yes! Other dogs will not be allowed on the course due to our insurance requirements.

Awards and Medals

• Finisher's Medal: Yes, all participants receive both a race shirt and a finisher's medal.
• Age Group Awards: Yes, awards will be given to 1st through 3rd in ten-year age groups.
• Virtual Run: It is done on an honor system. You can run your 5k at any time and don't have to report your finish. We'll send out your shirt and finisher's medal the week after the race.
• Race Course: The race course is about two and a half loops at Gadsden Park. You can preview the route at this link. We'll provide a course map in race day emails and have copies available for viewing during packet pickup.

Event Details

Date: 2027-03-07

Location: 6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL

More information: MacDill's Paws 4 Heroes 5K