Run for the Animals 5K
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Location
- Karst Farm Park, Bloomington, IN
- Distance
- 5K Run and Walk · Virtual 5K Run/Walk
From the Organizer
Please join us for the 31st Annual Run for the Animals 5K on Sunday, October 4th!
Run for the Animals is a timed 5K run/walk at Karst Farm Park, with all of the proceeds benefiting the programs and services of the Monroe County Humane Association. Each registration includes an official Run for the Animals t-shirt and sponsor swag.
NEW in 2026, we're introducing separate start times for runners and walkers! The course starts at Karst Farm Park and loops through the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The awards ceremony and sponsor booths are now located near the start/finish line, making it easier for participants and families to celebrate together—and for faster results posting! After the awards, stick around for the raffles and fan-favorite pet contests! You don't have to be registered in the 5K to participate in the raffle and pet contests!
We anticipate welcoming hundreds of runners, walkers, and furry friends to this event! Don’t miss this great opportunity to support animal welfare in our community!
Event Schedule:
Saturday, October 3
10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 5:00–7:00 PM: Preregistered Packet Pick-up at Karst Farm Park Commons Bldg
Sunday, October 4
8:00 AM: Packet Pick-up & Onsite Registration Opens
9:15 AM: Registration Closes, Trainer-led Group Stretch
9:30 AM: 5K Run Begins
9:35 AM: 5K Walk Begins
10:30 AM: 5K Run/Walk Awards Ceremony
11:00 AM: Pet Contests & Raffle Winners Announced
Important Notice for Canine Participants: As required by the state of Indiana, all dogs must be up to date on the rabies vaccination. In addition, only spayed/neutered dogs are permitted to participate. (Visit monroehumane.org for information on Spay/Neuter Assistance.) All dogs must remain on a leash at all times during the event. For safety reasons, retractable leashes are not permitted—only standard, non-retractable leashes are allowed. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and fun event for everyone!
5K Award Categories:
- Top 3 Overall Men's 5K
- Top 3 Overall Women's 5K
- Top 3 Youth (12 & under) Male 5K
- Top 3 Youth (12 & under) Female 5K
- Top Male & Top Female 13-17 years
- Top Male & Top Female 18-24 years
- Top Male & Top Female 25-29 years
- Top Male & Top Female 30-39 years
- Top Male & Top Female 40-49 years
- Top Male & Top Female 50-59 years
- Top Male & Top Female 60+ years
- Top 3 Canine 5K
This event is crucial to MCHA and our ability to provide the numerous programs and services that would not otherwise exist in our community. MCHA advocates for a more humane future for the pets in our community by providing accessible veterinary care through our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, Crisis Housing Program, Emergency Pet Food & Supply Pantry, Spay/Neuter Assistance Program, Street Outreach, and more. Many lives, human and animal alike, are touched by the work of MCHA. This is only possible thanks to the generous support of our community and sponsors! MCHA is a private 501c3 non-profit that receives no funding from national organizations or tax dollars.
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
71°
Typical Low
49°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Bloomington Indiana Univ.
Host City
About Bloomington, IN
Population
78,791
as of 2023
Elevation
810 ft
Nearest Airport
IND
Indianapolis International Airport · 40 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run for the Animals 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
118
Days to train
- Race
- Run for the Animals 5K
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Location
- Karst Farm Park, Bloomington, IN
Coming Up
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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 the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Run for the Animals 5K?
- Run for the Animals 5K is a running race held in Bloomington, Indiana on October 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Run for the Animals 5K?
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Bloomington, Indiana at Karst Farm Park, Bloomington, IN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Run for the Animals 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Run for the Animals 5K
Oct 4, 2026