Fast and Furriest

5K and 10K Run
Co-Hosted By:

Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center: https://tier1vet.com/

Aktive Soles Performance Footwear: https://shop.aktivesoles.com

Race Date:  October 3rd 2026

Race Start: Palmer Train Depot

Lace up, leash up, and get ready for the Fast & Furriest 5K & 10K—an exciting run where people and their four-legged friends come together for a great cause! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or just looking for a fun day with your best furry friend, everyone is welcome to hit the course, make memories, and have a tail-wagging good time. Best of all, race proceeds will support Dogs2DogTags, a nonprofit dedicated to helping bring veteran dogs into the lives of veterans as service dogs. Every step, paw print, and mile helps connect veterans with loyal companions who can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Run fast, run furriest, and run for a cause that matters!

Beneficiary Dogs2DogTags: https://www.dogs2dogtags.org

Registration Dates for 2026: Online Registration ONLY.  There will be no day of registration for the 5K or 10K.
(OPENS September 1st 2026)

*Registration will CLOSE at 11:59 pm on October 2nd 2026!

Pre-event BIB Pickup 4-7:  October 2rd 2026 @ AKtive Soles Performance Footwear - Palmer location.

Race Day Schedule:

9:00-10.45 am Race check in/bib pick up -Palmer Community Center/Train Depot

11:00am 5K Race Start

11:05am 10K Race Start

Giveaways: Every participant will receive a dog bandana and dogs will receive a dog pop on completion of the race.  Participants will also be able to purchase a race day beanie.

Awards: Awards will be given to the TOP three men and women in the 5K and 10K and the TOP three dogs and their owners in the 5K and 10K.

Raffle: Every bib number will be entered into a drawing for some amazing prizes from our sponsors.

Food and Drinks: There will be water, electrolytes and light snacks at the end of the race.  If you are feeling a little hungry post race, Palmer offers a wonderful variety of delicious places to grab a bite.

Gear: Conditions can be variable in October.  The pavements may be clear although they may also still have some snow and perhaps ice. Please be prepared for the conditions on that day. 

RULES:

This is to be a fun event for a great cause so please be mindful of the rules below.

Bibs: Bibs MUST be visible on the front of the body at all times.  If wearing layers be prepared to adjust your bib as needed. There is a timing chip on the bib which will record your time in the event and let us know you have started and completed which is important safety information.

Staying On Course: The course will be marked and runners plus their dogs must stay on the route at all times. If at any point you decide not to complete the route please go to the nearest aid station and let them know your name, bib number and phone number.

Headphones: Please do NOT wear headphones for the safety of you and other racers.

Dropping Out: Runners may only drop at an aid station checkpoints.  In order to drop out find an aid station volunteer to record your drop. This will help us avoid unnecessary search efforts.

No Littering: Trash receptacles will be available at all aid stations. Please do not dispose of trash outside of the aid stations.

Sportsmanship: Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated toward any participant, volunteer or worker this can result in immediate disqualification.

10 K Cutoff Time: There will be a cutoff time for10 K runners at 12.00pm at the 5K turnaround.  10K runners who arrive after 12.00 will be asked to return to the finish.

Race Finish:  2.30pm. 

Volunteers: Please take the time to thank any volunteer you see during the event.

DOG BEHAVIOR & SAFETY RULES

The safety and enjoyment of all participants—both two-legged and four-legged—is our priority. Participants bringing a dog must follow these rules at all times:

Leashes are required at all times. Dogs must remain securely leashed before, during, and after the race and while attending the Dog Expo. NO off-leash dogs are permitted. Zero Exceptions .

No retractable leashes. Dogs must be on a standard, 6' leash, non-retractable leash that allows the handler to maintain safe control.

One dog per participant/handler is allowed, to ensure safe control throughout the course.

Dogs must be under control at all times. Participants are responsible for maintaining control of their dog and preventing unwanted contact with other dogs, participants, spectators, volunteers, or vendors.

Aggressive or disruptive behavior is not permitted. Dogs displaying aggression, excessive lunging, uncontrolled barking, biting, snapping, or other behavior that may pose a safety concern will be asked to leave the race course or event area.

Know your dog's limits.Participants should consider their dog's age, fitness level, health, temperament, and ability to safely complete a 5K or 10K before participating.

Be mindful of other dogs. Do not allow your dog to approach or greet another dog without the other handler's permission. Give nervous, reactive, or working dogs adequate space.

Keep the course clear. Dogs should remain close to their handler and should not be allowed to cross in front of or interfere with other runners or walkers.

Clean up after your dog.Participants are responsible for immediately picking up and properly disposing of their dog's waste.

While there will be water for our dogs - bring additional water for your dog to ensure they are hydrated.  Participants should monitor their dogs for signs of overheating, fatigue, injury, or distress and stop participating if necessary.

Vaccinations are required to be current. All dogs must be up to date on Rabies, and it is recommended that your dog is up to date on DA2PP and Bordetella. By registering for the race you are confirming your pet is vaccinated.  Dogs showing signs of contagious illness will not be allowed to attend. 

Handlers are responsible for their dogs. Owners/handlers assume responsibility for their dog's behavior, safety, and actions throughout the event.

Race Start Safety. Participants with dogs should use extra caution in the starting area. Please maintain adequate space between dogs and avoid crowding other participants. Race organizers may designate a specific starting area, or wave, for participants with dogs to help reduce congestion and improve safety.

Right to Remove: For the safety of everyone attending, Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center, AKtive Soles Performance Footwear and other race officials reserve the right to remove any dog and/or handler from the course or event area if the dog's behavior, equipment, health, or handling presents a potential safety risk.

Please be courteous, give other dogs plenty of space, and help us make the Fast & the Furriest a safe and enjoyable event for everyone!

Cancellation of the race:  In the event of extreme weather the race may need to be cancelled.  The call to cancel the race will be made October 3rd @ 8am.  Participants will be notified via email and the Facebook pages hosted by AKtive Soles Performance Footwear and Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center.

Any additional information requested please contact events@aktivesoles.com