Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter
Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter is a running race on October 18, 2026 in Bridgewater, NJ, with entry fees from $12 to $50.
- Date
- October 18, 2026 (87 days to go)
- Price
- $12–$50
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Join Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter as we come together to raise funds for the Cupid Fund.
The Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash is a major fundraiser for the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS) and a wag of a great time! The annual event draws animal lovers from all over to share the day with and in honor of four-legged friends. In addition to the official 5K and 10K events, the day includes vendors, food, and of course, a chance to meet FURiends.
The Cupid Fund
The Cupid Fund is a special fund dedicated to helping our shelter animals that require extraordinary medical treatment. The fund provides care for any animal needing more than the basics- spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping. All medical tests, blood work, specialist consults, surgery, treatment of illnesses, etc. are paid for by donations to FOSRAS Cupid Fund. Please visit our website at: https://www.fosras.com
Race Details
Friends, participants, and canines will run/walk the flat trails and picturesque backdrop of the flat, fast, USATF-NJ Certified Course at Duke Island Park. There will be Overall Winner Awards and Age Group Awards. Walk or run with your dog! Dogs can join the race starting at 9:20 AM and are required to start at the back of the starting group behind the runners. Registered dogs receive a doggy goody bag (while supplies last).
Kiddie Dash Details:
4 years old and under- 25 yard dash
5-7 years old- 50 yard dash
All kiddie dash participants will receive a finisher prize
Participants registered by September 15th are guaranteed a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt. During registration, there is an option to forgo the t-shirt.
Day of registration: 10K Run - $50 (human entry only)
5K Run/Walk- $40 + $5/dog
Kids 10 and under $15
Kiddie Dash: $12
To ensure an enjoyable walk for 2 legged and 4 legged participants:
- Please refrain from using Flexi leads, only 6’ leads or less allowed
- All Dogs must be current on shots and no females in heat
- Please do not bring pets whose behavior may endanger others
- Participants must clean up after their pet and provide appropriate feces collection bags for such use.
Certified 10K Course Link
Coming soon
Certified 5K Course Link:
https://www.certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=NJ16520JHP
Event Schedule
8:30 AM Registration Opens
9:10 AM Kiddie Dash
9:25 AM 5K &10K Run/Walk Start
10:15 AM 5K Awards Ceremony
10:40 AM 10K Award Ceremony
10:45 AM Doggy Costume Contest
9:00-12:00 PM Vendors open
Vendors will be available until 12 PM
Awards
Overall 1st place 5k - Male & Female
Overall 2nd place 5k - Male & Female
Overall 3rd place 5k - Male & Female
Age categories
Top 3 5k finishers, male & female in various age categories.
Race Bibs
We use Chronotrack RFID systems for chip timing. All awards will be calculated based on chip time, not gun time.
Sponsorships Available!
Email heartandsole5knj@gmail.com to participate!
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Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
64°
Typical Low
40°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Somerville 4 Nw, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Bridgewater, NJ
City Elevation
98 ft
Nearest Airport
EWR
Newark Liberty International Airport · 25 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
87
Days to train
- Race
- Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter
- Date
- October 18, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Running races near Bridgewater, NJ
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9/11 Heroes Run - Raritan, NJ
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1 mile away
Manila Madness 5K Freedom Run/Ruck
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Bridgewater than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
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Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter
Oct 18, 2026