Are you a runner? Do you race? Do you already run with your dog at home? Maybe it’s time to consider running one of the many dog friendly races out there. A few years ago I ran a 5K race with my rescue dog Lulu. It was a really fun experience and I’m so glad we ran together. My dog Lulu is getting older so I’m not sure if we will run another dog friendly race.
Even still, I like to keep track of which races allow dogs. There are actually a lot of road races that allow dogs. And some of the events are walks – so your pup doesn’t have to be in racing shape. I’ve updated this list to include all of the races I am aware of that allow dogs.
Dog Friendly Races
Running With Your Dog
I ran my first 5K with my dog Lulu in 2013. At the time I was looking for dog friendly races near me. I later learned there are many races and also dog friendly trail races too. When we ran, it wasn’t for competition. It was just for fun. Before sharing the list of dog races, first let’s go over some supplies for running with your dog.
If you are looking for some tips on how to get your dog started with running, first check out my post on How to Prepare Your Dog for a Race. If you are getting started with running with your dog, there are a few supplies that you will need:
• Leash & Collar – A good leash and secure collar are paramount to running a race with your dog. I do not recommend a flexi-lead which are not only dangerous but do not allow control over your pet. I use a 6-foot nylon leash when I run with my dog. Lulu’s is pink and she has a pink matching collar. The width of the leash should depend on the size of the dog. Lulu is 15 pounds and has a 1/2-inch collar and lead.
• Collapsable Water Bowl – This can be secured to the leash or kept in your pocket while running. After 5K races there is always water for runners. Grab a bottle for your pup as well and give them a drink wherever you are by using a collapsable water bowl.
• Deodorizing Pet Wipes – No matter the terrain, the race will likely leave your pup with some muddy paws if you go on mud runs with dogs (trail running) or simply dusty dirty paws (road races). I like using Nature’s Miracle pet wipes for quick clean up such as dirty paws. Keep a stash in your vehicle to wipe down your pup after the race.
Related blog posts:
• How to Prepare Your Dog for a Race
• Pros and Cons of Adopting a Rescue Dog
• Pet Sitter Instructions Top Tips for Writing
• Dog Ate Bread Dough? Here’s What to Do
Dog Races
This list includes races in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio – along with a few dog friendly organized hikes and walks. All of these races are also open to those who do not own or race with their pet. Pets are required to be leashed at these races – and on their best behavior. Many of these races support pet adoption causes too.
Dog Friendly 5K
(updated for 2022, when available)
APRIL
Siberian Husky IDid-A-Run (5K & 1-Mile Walk)
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio
Love-A-Stray Fur Fun 5K and Dog Walk
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Avon Lake, Ohio
MAY
Run Puritas 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Cleveland, Ohio
New Leash on Life Woof Walk
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio
JUNE
Freedom Run (5K & 1.75-Mile Mutt Strut)
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Aurora, Ohio
JULY
Muddy Paws (10-Mile, 5-Mile & 2-Mile Run Dog Run)
Saturday, July 18, 2022
Peninsula, Ohio
Dirty Dog Run, Walk or Wash (5K, 1-Mile Dog Walk & Dog Wash)
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Avon Lake, Ohio
AUGUST
Wet Nose 5K
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Chesterland, Ohio
Mutt Strutt (1-Mile Walk)
Sunday, August 28, 20122
Kirtland, Ohio
SEPTEMBER
Tom Madzy Short Run & Family Dog Walk
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Berea, Ohio
OCTOBER
Monster Mutt Dash (5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk)
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Berea, Ohio
Paws for the Cause (5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk)
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Medina, Ohio
NOVEMBER
Vet Day 5K Run & 1K Mutt Strutt
Saturday, November 6, 2021
Avon, Ohio
Mud Runs with Dogs
In Summary
This is a great list of Ohio 5K races. Am I missing any dog friendly races in Cleveland, Ohio? Please let me know in the comments and I will add the dog friendly Cleveland races to the list. I would like to keep this list of dog friendly races as up-to-date as possible. Thank you for your help as I always enjoy Ohio running races.
Have you raced with your dog before?
*This post was originally published in 2013 and has been updated and republished for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Muddy Paws! For the Greater Akron Humane Society in Peninsula on July 6th. It’s a 2, 5, and 10 mile trail race.
Oh Julie beat me to it!
I wish there were more dog friendly races in TOledo, I only know of one!
Yes Muddy Paws is dog friendly and benefits the Humane Society. All of our races are dog friendly! Thanks for the blog post..
Oh, my! I think it may be time for Max and I to start training…those October or November ones are doable for sure. (He doesn’t like to run when it’s hot, LOL.)
For sure! Thanks for reading!
The dead sprint 5k in Cleveland was per friendly last year and the pups got medals! Usually around Halloween.
Oh cool! I’ll check into that. Thanks for sharing!