Saturday, September 26, 2026
Race Start: 11:00 AM
L.P. Frans Stadium / Winkler Park

Grab your running shoes, bring your best four-legged friend, and join us for the Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K & Dog Festival!

Whether you’re running for fun, competing for a spot on the podium, or simply enjoying the day with your dog, this unique 5K is a great way to get outside and bond with your furry companion.

The course features a mix of paved sections and off-road trails, including hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks, and other trail-style terrain.

You do not have to run with a dog to participate!

5K Awards 

For all Ruff, Ruff, Run participants, including Series runners, awards for this race will be presented in the following categories:

• Top 3 Overall Runners with a Dog

• Male and Female Age Groups

• Overall Male and Female

Awards will be presented approximately one hour after the race begins.

For groups running or walking with a dog, the person holding the leash will be considered the “Dog Runner” and will be scored based on their finish time.

Packet Pick-Up

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Highland Recreation Center
1451 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC

Race-Day Packet Pick-Up

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Registration Tent at L.P. Frans Stadium
2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC

Race T-Shirts

Register by 11:59 PM on September 13 to guarantee a race T-shirt in the size selected during registration.

Registrations after September 13 may receive a T-shirt on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies and sizes last.

Please place your race bib on your person—not on your dog.

Running With Your Dog: Rules & Guidelines

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone:

• Dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination to participate.

• Participants must maintain control of their dog for the entire race.

• All dogs must be on a fixed-length leash.

• A full harness is recommended for dogs participating in the race.

• Please clean up after your dog.

• Special bandanas will be available for dogs who are reactive.

• The 5K start will be staggered.

• Your official finish time will be based on the time from when you cross the starting line until you cross the finish line.

• Because of the staggered start, the first person across the finish line may not have the fastest overall time.

• Running without a dog? Let us know, and we’ll place you in the starting group with runners without dogs.

Ruff, Ruff, Run Dog Festival

The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line!

Join us for the Ruff, Ruff, Run Dog Festival from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Bring your family, friends, and, of course, your dogs!

The Dog Festival is FREE and open to the public.

Festival activities include:

• 🐾 Yoga with Your Dog — post-race

• 🌮 Food trucks

• 🐶 Local dog vendors, craftsmen, and pet-product vendors

• 🎓 Dog demonstrations

• 🎵 Live music

• ❤️ Fun for the whole family

Event Details at a Glance

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
5K Start: 11:00 AM EDT
Festival: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
Event End: 1:00 PM EDT
Location: L.P. Frans Stadium / Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC

Race Fee: $35.00
SignUp Fee: $3.10
Registration Deadline: September 26, 2026 at 10:30 AM EDT

Come run, walk, wag, and celebrate with us at the Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K & Dog Festival!

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP