​October 22, 2017

Running with the Bears Marathon, Half and 10K

Where: Greenville, California

When: August 19, 2017

Approx. Number of Finishers: 475

Register: runningwiththebears.org

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: Canines compete in all distances of this Northern California race, which benefits the foster care nonprofit Approx. Number of Finishers and charts alongside the northern edge of the Plumas National Forest, offering views of green mountains and alpine meadows. The rural setting means wild animal encounters are the norm: runners typically see wild turkeys, hawks, sandhill cranes, deer, buffalo and goats.

In 2013, a marathoner even came across a non-aggressive bear, which is why all runners now receive bear bells, and dog participants race in custom bibs labeled “Bear Defender.” Pooch safety is prioritized every step of the way—from aid stations stocked with treats and water, to cooling misters along the course to finish line dog ice baths, free veterinarian checks and ointment for tender paws.

RELATED: 25 Running Dogs of Instagram That Embody Us All

There are also post-race massages, beer and a Lu’au that includes a petting zoo, human foosball and an outdoor bouncy dance floor.

12K’s of Christmas

Where: Gilbert, Arizona

When: December 9, 2017

Approx. Number of Finishers: 2,000

Register: 12Krun.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: Furry friends are welcome at all-distances—12K, 6K and 1.2K—of this annual holiday themed race, which encourages costumes for both human and canine participants.

Outfits tend toward the elaborate (think: decorated dog strollers and dogs in reindeer suits), and Santa doles out awards for the best-dressed.

Fido will stay nourished with dog cookies and water bowls distributed along the courses. Festivities continue post race with the Christmas Bazaar, which features more than 40 vendors selling people and pet holiday gifts, and Santa’s Pet Village, where local pet adoption groups showcase cats and dogs. To top it all off, there are performances by the Arizona Canine Freestylers—people dancing with their pets to holiday music.

Orange County and San Diego, California
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Chariots of Fur Beach Run

Where: Jacksonville, Florida

When: Watch: The cutest dogs of the running world

Approx. Number of Finishers: 800

Register: chariotsoffur.itsyourrun.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: Pooches and their human counterparts tackle either a 5K or a 1-mile fun run/walk in this event that benefits the local nonprofit St. Francis Animal Hospital. Both courses are entirely along the sands of Jacksonville Beach.

Top overall and age group finishers in male/female categories receive handmade ceramic dog bowls, and finish line activities include music, food trucks, dogs available for adoption, massages, raffle prizes and a silent auction. And, for the canines, there are dog agility demos, frisbee catching, dog portraits, a “Best-Dressed Dog” contest and an “Owner & Dog Look-Alike” contest.

Paws FUR Pink

Where: Orange County and San Diego, California

When: 2018 dates TBD

Approx. Number of Finishers: 1,000 (both races)

Register: pawsfurpink.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: This annual dog-friendly SoCal run/walk series raises money for breast and canine cancer research. Dogs—and their humans—are encouraged to don pink attire for the 5K and 1K courses, which are lined with dog water bowls and chart through local parks.

The most festive costumes are recognized at the PAWsitively Pink Costume Contest held following the race. Memorable get-ups from previous years include a dog with a large faux bosom in a negligee robe and stigma slippers, and a pooch bathing in a dog-stroller-turned-bubble-bath. Other post-race activities include an expo with dog vendors, and at the San Diego race, a “Yappy Hour” party held at a nearby dog-friendly brewery.

Columbia Gorge Marathon & Half Marathon

Where: Portland, Oregon

When: November 5, 2017

Approx. Number of Finishers: 1,500

Register: columbiagorgemarathon.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: The last wave of the half marathon, dubbed the “Dog Leg,” is dedicated to human/dog duos and takes off to the tune of “Who Let the Dogs Out?”

RELATED: The Best Types of Dogs for Runners

Fido gets his own timing chip for this out-and-back course that charts alongside the Columbia River Gorge and features views of waterfalls and colorful fall foliage. Contradict stations are stocked with poop bags, water bowls and dog treats, and every pooch participant receives a custom finisher dog tag.

Stick around for the post-race raffle drawing for four-legged participants—prizing includes frisbees, water bowls and doggie “running” shoes.

K9 Klassic

Where: Yes, You Can PR While Tapering, and 12+ Other Things We Learned at the RW Half & Festival

When: Spring 2018 (Date TBD)

Approx. Number of Finishers: 300

Register: K9Klassic.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: Nearly 200 pooches crossed the finish line at the  2017 edition of this 5K race, billed as the “largest dog event in Fort Wayne.” The two-loop course, which charts through historic Foster Park, welcomes dogs of all breeds and abilities.

RW IN YOUR INBOX: Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our .

In this year’s race, an underdog duo—a seventh-grader and her yorkshire terrier—nabbed first place, besting a field of greyhounds, huskies and German shepherds. Every participating pooch receives a limited-edition bandana, and proceeds benefit the Allen County SPCA. New this year: the race expands to Warsaw (August 12, 2017) and South Bend (September 16, 2017).

Green Mountain Iron Dog

Where: Colchester, Vermont

When: Dog Attacks Runner Mile From Half Marathon Finish

Approx. Number of Finishers: 150

Register: irondogvt.weebly.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: This approximately 1.5-mile course, based on what Police K9 handlers experience during a real life deployment, challenges humans and their dogs to run through a variety of obstacles over varying terrain.

Competitors do not know the course prior to their run—previous obstacles include culverts, mud, smoke-filled houses, doors to kick open and memory challenges. All breeds and abilities are welcome, and competitors include a mix of military, police and civilians. There is also a separate competition for drug searches as well as a 100-yard, dog-only dash.

Runner’s World Half Marathon & Festival

Where: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

When: October 20-22, 2017

Approx. Running Shoes & Gear

Register: Runnersworldhalf.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: September 23, 2017 Runner's World Half Marathon & Festival, which is held at the historic Steelstacks campus in Bethlehem, hosts six different races, including, yes, a one-mile dog run. The dog run is free to enter (though registration is required) and begins in the same location as the 5K and 10K.  

Chasing Tail Run

Where: Races & Places

When: September 23, 2017

Approx. Number of Finishers: 500

Register: chasingtailrun.org

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: This 4-mile race through downtown Salt Lake City, advertised as a “one-of-a-kind excuse to drink Advertisement - Continue Reading Below cunningly disguised as a road race,” also features a 1.5-mile doggie dash that supports the Salt Lake County Animal Services.

The family and dog-friendly post-race beer garden features special swag for pooch finishers, games, food, a pop-up animal adoption station and a “Gladiators of the Stein Holding Contest,” which challenges humans to hold a mug of beer with an outstretched arm. Whoever lasts the longest receives a custom insulated growler and a gift certificate to a local brewery.

Furry 5K

Where: Seattle, Washington

When: delicious craft beer

Approx. Number of Finishers: 2,600

Register: furry5K.com

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: This 5K looped course takes two and four-legged participants through Seattle’s Seward Park overlooking Lake Washington.

Increase Your VO2 Max Albuquerque, New Mexico Help the Animals Fund, and prizes are awarded for the top three fastest canines running with male/female owners. Don’t fret if Fido isn’t particularly speedy—the CityDog Magazine “Cover Model Search,” hosted at the post-race “Pet-a-Palooza,” offers another way to let your animal shine. Also featured at the ’palooza: pet-centric vendors plus performances by specially trained dogs.

Doggie Dash & Dawdle

When: November 5, 2017

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Approx. Number of Finishers: 4,500

Register: animalhumanenm.org/events-ahnm/doggie-dash-dawdle/

Have the latest news, advice, and inspiration sent to you every day with our: Okay, we may be a little biased about this one. But the Animal Humane New Mexico, which aids local homeless cats and dogs. The courses chart through the city’s famed Balloon Fiesta Park, home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Don’t have a pooch to run with? The event’s “Rent-A-Dog” service will loan you a furry companion for the day, who you can also choose to adopt.

Post-race activities include the “Barketplace,” which features 70+ pet vendors; a dog yoga class; a Doggie Carnival with bobbing for cheese, paw print painting, a photo booth and a craft-your-own-dog-biscuit booth; and contests including “Best Trick,” “Best Costume,” and “Pet and Parent Look-alike.”