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

🐾 Race Overview

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. These dogs are often the last to leave a shelter -- if they leave at all. The rural shelters we service do not have the resources to treat these animals who are sick through no fault of their own. Without rescue or adoption from the shelter, the chances are slim they will survive.

📅 Event Details

• Date: April 19, 2026
• Location: Heritage Farm Park, 9236 Devilbiss Bridge Road, Walkersville, MD
• Registration: Online registration is open until 6:30 AM on race day
• Check in: 7 AM for onsite registration

🏃‍♂️ Race Schedule

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

🐕 Running with Your Dog

• Leashed Dogs: We welcome your leashed dogs to run or walk the course.
• Registration: Register as WITH DOG-LIVE 5K RUN to identify and reward our runners with dogs.
• Change Category: Registrants can change this category up until the start of the race.
• Awards: ALL runners with dogs WILL BE eligible for age level awards.

🚶‍♀️ Walking the 5K Course

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

👕 Race Shirts

• Reservation Only: In an effort to reduce costs, shirts are offered by reservation only.
• Registration Deadline: Last date to register and receive a shirt is March 21.
• Children: Children aged 0-10 are free: no shirt option for these children.
• Distribution: Only pre-ordered shirts will be distributed at check in.

🏆 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

🍔 Food Trucks & Vendors

• On Site Food: TBD - food trucks will be available.
• Vendors: Check out vendors for more information.

💖 Support Our Cause

Each year, Operation Paws for Homes incurs vast medical costs - in 2025, costs will exceed $150,000. This event aims to replenish a piece of those funds - and, hopefully, exceed so we can treat even more.

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!