Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run

Event Overview

Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run. Compete for top dog in our 5K race or take it easy in our 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music, and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged!

The Purple Leash Project

• Mission: The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care.
• Support: Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations.
• Learn More: More information can be found on The Purple Leash Project.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
• Time: 9AM - Noon (registration opens at 8AM, races begin at 9AM)
• Location: Purina Farms, 500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit, MO 63039
• Route: The 5K and 1-mile route will traverse over paved roads with potential uneven surfaces. Expect an elevation change of around 50ft throughout the course. Water stations for humans and dogs will be available on the route.

Event Highlights

• 5K Race: The competition is on! Humans and their dogs can sign up for our competitive 5K race (with chipped timing bibs) to see who will win top dog! Prizes will be awarded to the top three times in each heat for the 5K race.
• Fun Run & Walk: Looking for something more low-key? We've got you! Our 1-mile Fun Run & Walk is perfect for all experience levels and ages for humans and dogs.
• TAILgate After Party: Sits, stay, and snack! We’ll have a winner's podium, music, food and drinks for both humans and pets, yard games, and lots of FUN! Each registered runner over the age of 21 will receive one free drink ticket.
• Giveaways: Each registered human participant will receive an event t-shirt, treats, Purple Leash Project swag, and so much more!

Awards

The first three winners in both male and female (humans and canines) 5K heats will receive awards! Winners will be presented after all races conclude at the TAILgate After Party.

• Human Heats: Under 18, top three male & female: 18-39, top three male & female: 40+, top three male & female
• Dog Heats: Top three male runners with a dog: Top three female runners with a dog
• Fun Heats: Dog/human best style: Dog/human look-a-like

Cost

• $35: Through September 20
• $40: September 21 to October 4
• $45: October 5 to October 10
• Note: Advanced registration is required: onsite registration will NOT be available for this event.

Packet Pickup

Each human will receive a chipped bib, and each pooch will receive a bib for their leash! The athlete will be timed, but both human and dog will be listed in the results (ex. Brandon and Dash)!

Packet pickup will be available at the following times & locations:

• Thursday, October 8: 12-6PM at Big River Running - 13969 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011
• Sunday, October 11: 8AM at Purina Farms (please plan on arriving no later than 8:30AM)

Participating Dogs

Here are a few things you need to know before registering:

• Age: All dogs must be at least 4 months old, up to date on all of their vaccinations, and have a current rabies identification tag number.
• Limit: Only one dog allowed per runner, runner must be 16+ years old.
• Experience: All dogs entering the 5K and 1-mile should have prior experience running this distance with their owner.
• Leash Rules: All dogs must be on a leash of 6 ft. or less. Retractable/Adjustable leashes are NOT allowed.

Failure to comply with the rules will result in expulsion from the event without refund.

Charitable Contributions

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company will donate $5.00 to RedRover for each Purina Farms 5K Fun Run registration received on runsignup.com between 8/11/26-10/11/26. For more information on RedRover, visit https://redrover.org.

Pet Policy

Dogs are welcome! No retractable leashes. Dogs must be up to date on vaccination, have a visible rabies ID tag, be well socialized and free of health concerns. Puppies must be at least 4 months old with age-appropriate vaccinations to attend. View our complete guidelines and visiting pet policy at purinafarms.com.

Register Now

Join us for this exciting event on October 11, 2026! For more details, visit the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run registration page.