The Fast & The Furriest

🐾 The Fast & The Furriest 5K & Pizza Run

❤️ Benefiting Gulf Coast Humane Society

📍 Bell Tower Shops | Saturday, November 15, 2025

Join us for the Fast & The Furriest, a fun and furry-friendly 5K event supporting the incredible work of the Gulf Coast Humane Society! This year’s race will be held at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers and will feature two exciting race options, plus plenty of wagging tails and good vibes.

🏃 Race Options

5K Run/Walk: Enjoy our traditional, chip-timed 5K course through and around the Bell Tower. Whether you're running for the podium or walking with your pup, this event is open to all paces!

Pizza Run (NEW!): Think you’ve got what it takes? Participants in this challenge will:

• Eat: 1 small slice of pizza
• Run: ¼ mile
• Repeat: 4 times

That's right! 4 slices + 1 Mile = Lots of Laughs! The Pizza Run is hosted in partnership with Grimaldi's Pizzeria, located in Bell Tower.

🍕 Post-Race Pizza Party

Stick around after the race for a pizza-fueled celebration at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria at Bell Tower!

• Pizza Specials: for All Participants
• Bar Opens: Early!! Toast your finish
• Bring: your friends, your dog, and your appetite — this is a post-race party you don’t want to miss!

🎟️ Packet Pickup

Location: Fleet Feet Fort Myers, Bell Tower
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Race Day Pickup: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

🐕 Bring Your Dog!

Don't forget the pups! This race is dog-friendly, and we encourage you to bring your leashed, well-behaved pets to join in on the fun. Water bowls and treats will be available, and we’ll have photo ops to capture you and your furry friend on the run!

💖 ALL for a Cause

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society, supporting their mission to care for and rehome thousands of animals every year. Your steps make a difference!

🎁 What You Get

• Super Cute: T-shirt
• Finisher Medal: with Commemorative Race Leash
• Post-race: party and dog-friendly activities
• Awards: for top finishers and best-dressed pets!

🚦 Additional Safety & Consideration Guidelines

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants (both two- and four-legged!), we kindly ask that you observe the following:

• No Retractable Leashes: For everyone’s safety, only standard (non-retractable) leashes are permitted. Leashes should be no longer than 6 feet.
• One Dog Per Runner/Walker: To ensure better control and safety, we ask that each participant bring only one dog.
• Dogs Must Be Well-Behaved: All dogs should be comfortable around crowds, other dogs, and loud noises.
• Dogs Must Be Current: on Vaccinations: Please ensure your pet is up to date on rabies and core vaccines.
• No Aggressive Dogs: For the safety of others, dogs showing aggressive behavior will be asked to leave the event.
• Clean-Up is a Must: Please come prepared to pick up after your dog, poop bags will be available on-site.

Hydration Stations: Water will be available for both pets and people throughout the course.

Event Staff Reserves the Right to Remove Any Participant (Human or Canine): If safety becomes a concern, we may ask a participant to step away from the event area.

For more information, visit the event page: The Fast & The Furriest.