Run for the Animals 5K
Run for the Animals 5K is a running race on October 4, 2026 in Bloomington, IN, with an entry fee of $30.
- Date
- October 4, 2026 (29 days to go)
- Location
- Karst Farm Park, Bloomington, IN
- Price
- $30
- Sport
- Running
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 Monroe County Humane Association. Each registration includes an official Run for the Animals t-shirt.
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
2:30-5 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
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. Runners and walkers are only allowed one dog per registrant. 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 2 Canine 5K
Run for the Animals is an important fundraiser for MCHA and directly supports programs and services that would otherwise be limited or unavailable in our community.
MCHA works to create a more humane future for pets and the people who love them. Every program we provide is focused on keeping pets healthy, keeping them in loving homes, and keeping them out of shelters whenever possible. That includes our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, Crisis Housing Program, Emergency Pet Food & Supply Pantry, Spay/Neuter Assistance Program, Street Outreach, and other community-based services.
Each year, thousands of pets and their families are impacted by MCHA’s work. These programs are only possible because of the generosity of our community, donors, participants, and sponsors.
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
72°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
37%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Bloomington Monroe Co Ap, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Bloomington, IN
Population
78,791
as of 2023
City 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.
29
Days to train
- Race
- Run for the Animals 5K
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Location
- Karst Farm Park, Bloomington, IN
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Run for the Animals 5K
Oct 4, 2026