11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K/1M - April 19, 2026

🐾 Race Information

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON RACE DAY
After 6:30, register on site at the blue check in tent BEGINNING AT 7AM.

• Time: 8:15AM - 5K race
• Time: 9:00AM - 1M walk
• Runner Check In: 7:15-8:00
• Walker Check In: 8:15-8:45

🐶 Running with Dogs

We welcome your leashed dogs to run or walk the course. Please have your dogs on a 4-6 foot leash - no retractable leashes please. Register as WITH DOG-LIVE 5K RUN so we can easily identify and reward our runners with dogs. Registrants can change this category up until the start of the race. ALL runners with dogs WILL BE eligible for age level awards.

🚶‍♀️ Walking Option

Yes, you can walk the 5K course. Register as 1M LIVE UNTIMED WALK. Check in for walkers is 8:15-9:00. Let us know when you check in that you are walking the 5K course.

📅 Virtual Race Information

VIRTUAL RACE/WALK DATES:
Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20

🏞️ Course Details

The entire course is within the park grounds and is paved except for small crossing areas that may have light gravel. The event site, check in area, and vendor area are on grass and will be wet in the morning. Plan accordingly.

👕 Race Shirts

Race Shirts - Long Sleeved: In an effort to reduce costs associated with this event, we are offering shirts by RESERVATION ONLY. Reserve your shirt when registering to ensure you receive your size. LAST DATE TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE A SHIRT IS MARCH 21.

• Shirt Policy: If no shirt is ordered (for on-site participants), the registration fee is reduced by $5.00 at that time.
• Children Aged 0-10: FREE. No option for shirts for these children unless arranged with the race director.
• On-Site Distribution: ONLY pre-ordered shirts will be distributed at check in (Must be registered by March 21).
• Virtual Runners: Shirts are optional when registering.

🏆 Awards

Awards (For Runners On Site Only): Runners are eligible for overall awards and age group awards.

• Top Overall Male
• Top Overall Female
• 1st, 2nd & 3rd Male Running With Dog
• 1st, 2nd & 3rd Female Running With Dog

Additional awards for age groups up to 60 & Up.

🍽️ Food and Vendors

ON SITE FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS
FOOD TRUCKS: TBD
VENDORS TBD

🐕 About the Cause

The 11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K race and 1M walk to benefit Operation Paws for Homes - an all-breed 501c3 dog rescue - is one of the rescue's largest annual fundraisers.

This year's race is focused on helping dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease, which can be deadly if not treated. These dogs are often the last to leave a shelter -- if they leave at all.

Each year, Operation Paws for Homes incurs vast medical costs - in 2025, costs will exceed $150,000. Treating the heartworm positive dogs who are lucky enough to come to the rescue make up about $30,000 - approximately 20% of total medical costs. This event aims to replenish those funds so that we can treat even more dogs.

🌍 Join Us!

Tell all your friends and family - wherever they are located - they, too, can participate in this event and support the many dogs that need us every single day. Let’s make it coast to coast this year! Anyone can participate using a VIRTUAL OPTION.

We are excited to host this event again and hope you are just as excited to join us!

📍 Race Location

Heritage Farm Park, 9236 Devilbiss Bridge Road, Walkersville, MD

For more information and registration, visit this link.