Saturday, June 13th, 2026
Kamper Park (parking lot next to the Hattiesburg Zoo Pavilion), Hattiesburg MS
5K
About this race
Race Overview
Run or Walk the Dogs Days 5 mile, 5 K, or 2 mile event on Saturday, June 13, 2026! This family-friendly event supports the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, helping raise funds to provide the training and education needed for our community to fully benefit from the recently passed Jill’s Law, ensuring insurance covers advanced testing to allow earlier, more accurate diagnoses and access to newer treatments that can slow the disease, giving families more time to plan and be together.
Event Details
- Date: June 13, 2026
- Location: Kamper Park (parking lot next to the Hattiesburg Zoo Pavilion), Hattiesburg, MS
- Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
- Distances: 5 Mile, 5K, and 2 Mile
Course Information
The 5 Mile, 5K, and 2 Mile races kick off early in the morning to beat the heat, offering participants the choice to run or walk with or without their furry companions. All routes will start and finish at Kamper Park (107 S 17th Avenue in Hattiesburg) at 7:30 a.m., guiding participants through the scenic Avenues of Hattiesburg, a charming neighborhood with shaded paths. Expect encouragement along the way from community volunteers. The race concludes back at Kamper Park, where a lively Finish Line Festival ("Pawty") awaits both racers and their pets.
Canine Participants
- Health: Ensure your pup is in good health and properly conditioned to join the race.
- Routes: The 2 mile and 5K routes are pup-friendly, with water stations provided for both runners and dogs.
- Restrictions: Dogs are not permitted in the 5 mile run.
- Leashes: All dogs must be vaccinated and leashed with fixed leashes. (No retractable leashes, please!)
Event Activities
At the Dog Days event, enjoy breakfast by Topher's, participate in the Run-by Dog Pageant judged by local celebrities along the race course (dogs identified by participants' bib numbers), and receive custom finisher medals for all racers. Additionally, all participants will receive a limited edition event t-shirt if registered before the t shirt cut off date (TBA). The race will start promptly at 7:30 a.m. and is timed by MS Race Timing. We want all our participants to stick around for the Finish Line Festival, featuring vendors, refreshments, entertainment, door prizes, and plenty of fun!
Finisher Medals and Awards
- Medals: ALL participants who finish their chosen event will receive a Limited Edition custom finisher medal at the finish line.
- Awards: The TOP TEN "BIG DOGS" will also be awarded prizes.
- Categories: "Big Dogs" are the fastest ten Male and Female finishers in the 5 mile race and the fastest ten Male/Female finishers with/without dogs in the 5K and 2 Mile Walk events.
- Run-by Dog Pageant: Bring your pooch dressed in their finest costume and ready to show off their tricks to compete in the Run-by Dog Pageant.
Packet Pickup
- Friday: 4:30-7:00pm at Southern Prohibition (301 Mobile St)
- Saturday: 6:00 - 7:00 am at Kamper Park near the start line (on 17th Avenue)
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on all things race related on our FACEBOOK PAGE.
Additional Information
Prizes will be awarded in the following Run-by Dog Pageant categories:
- Coolest Dog
- Best Dressed
- Best Parent/Pooch Pair
- Tiny Tot
- Super Dog
- Diva Dog
- Most Handsome Hound
- Purple Royalty
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Hattiesburg to train with before race day.
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