Howl-O-Ween Dash

The Howl-O-Ween Dash is a 5k and 1 mile fun run benfitting Lauderdale and Colbert County Animal Shelters. It is a family friendly event that includes an animal costume contest, and pumpkin painting for the kids.

Event

Meet us at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama dressed in your favorite costume or running attire to kickstart the Halloween Festivities at the first Howl-O-Ween Dash 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run benefitting Lauderdale and Colbert County Animal Shelters. Don't forget your furry friends as the festivities will include an animal costume contest!

Course

Join us down at McFarland Park along the riverbank for a fast and flat USATF Certified 5K course

5K USATF Certification #AL16027JD

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on October 18th are guaranteed a race shirt

Awards

1st Place Overall

1st Place Overall Pet + Owner (no off leash participants)

1st Place 12 & under

1st Place 13-35

1st Place 35-60

1st Place 60+

1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Costume Contest

Aid Stations

There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one at the turnaround on the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid.

Additional Information

Early Packet Pick-up

Friday, October 30 at Keene & Scott, 210 E. Tennessee Street, Florence, AL 35630

Race Day Schedule

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 7:30-8:15 AM

Announcements and 5K call to start: 8:20 AM

5K Race Start: 8:30 AM

Fun Run Start: 9:30 AM

Awards: 9:35 AM

FAQ

Where is the race? McFarland Park, 200 James M Spain Dr Florence, AL 35630

When is the event? Saturday, October 31, 2026 - 8:30 am CT RACE START

What time should I arrive? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, October 30th, please plan to arrive prior to 8:00 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up

Can I register on race day? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 8:15 AM to support our planned start time

Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the race will be held at Keene & Scott on Friday, October 30th or you can pick up your race packet starting at 7:30 am race day morning at McFarland Park.

I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!

When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day October 18th. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts. If all shirt sizes are listed as SOLD OUT, please select the None option to complete your registration and any extra shirts will be available after the 5K race at the event.

Are there awards? Yes! Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall, and top overall in 4x Open Age Divisions

What are the age divisions? 12 and Under, 13-35, 36-60, 60+ 

Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site at McFarland Park

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed

Are pets allowed? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. This rule is strictly ENFORCED. If you would like a Gun Time start offset for starting at the back of the pack with your dog, please speak with the race timer prior to race start.

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events

Is the 5K course certified? Yes, the 5K course is USATF certified #AL16027JD

Is the 1 Mile course certified? No, but it is a measured ~1 Mile distance and will have police and course marshal presence for safety

Does the 5k course have hills? Not really. Because the course is along the river, there aren't any hills along the course of significant grade (<5%).

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome!

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone! 

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!