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. Lulu is getting older so I’m not sure if we will run another dog friendly race again anytime soon.
Even still, I like to keep track of which races allow dogs. There are actually a lot of road races in Cleveland 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 in Northeast Ohio that allow dogs.
Dog Friendly Races
I ran my first 5K with my dog Lulu in 2013. When we ran, it wasn’t for competition. It was just for fun. 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.
Related blog posts:
• How to Prepare Your Dog for a Race
• The Pros & Cons of Adopting a Rescue Dog
• Tips for Writing Pet Sitter Instructions
• The Time My Dog Ate Bread Dough
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 Races in Cleveland, Ohio
APRIL
Siberian Husky IDid-A-Run (5K & 1-Mile Walk)
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Cleveland, Ohio
Love-A-Stray Fur Fun 5K
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Avon Lake, Ohio
MAY
Run Puritas 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Cleveland, Ohio
New Leash on Life Woof Walk
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Cleveland, Ohio
Freedom Run (5K & 1.75-Mile Mutt Strut)
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Aurora, Ohio
JUNE
PAWS-4-A-CAUSE (1-Mile & 2-Mile Walk)
Saturday, June 10, 2017 (2018 date not posted yet)
Cleveland, Ohio
The Memorial Mile (1-Mile & Doggy Dash)
Saturday, June 10, 2017 (2018 date not posted yet)
Chardon, Ohio
JULY
Freedom Run (5K &1 Mile Mutt Strut)
Sunday, July 9, 2017 (2018 date not posted yet)
Chagrin Falls, OH
Muddy Paws (10-Mile, 5-Mile & 2-Mile Run Dog Run)
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Peninsula, Ohio
Dirty Dog Run, Walk or Wash (5K, 1-Mile Dog Walk & Dog Wash)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Avon Lake, Ohio
AUGUST
Mutt Strutt (1-Mile Walk)
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Kirtland, Ohio
SEPTEMBER
Tom Madzy Short Run & Family Dog Walk
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Berea, Ohio
OCTOBER
Monster Mutt Dash (5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk)
Saturday, October 14, 2017 (2018 date not posted yet)
Berea, Ohio
Paws for the Cause (5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk)
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Medina, Ohio
In Summary
Am I missing any dog friendly races in Cleveland, Ohio? Please let me know in the comments and I will add the 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!
*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!