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5 Dog-Friendly Races in Canada

Run or walk with your canine companion in tow at these five dog-friendly races

Our canine companions get to join us for our training runs sometimes, so why not let them race, too? If you’ve got a pup that loves to run, register as a pair (or pack if the whole family wants to walk or run!) at these five dog-friendly races in Canada.

Dog Jog (Calgary, AB)
Support the Calgary Humane Society by taking part in the this fun, family- and dog-friendly 2.5 km or 5 km fundraising walk/run in Calgary in June. You can register just yourself and your pup as an individual for the Dog Jog, or you can register the whole pack with the family rate, which includes up to four ‘doggy bag’ race kits. There’s also a festival site where you can shop for the latest in toys, treats, and equipment for your pooch, take in a dog behaviour demonstration, and have a bite to eat from a selection of food trucks onsite.

Nutrience Furry Friends 5K (Whitby and Burlington, ON)
The Nutrience Furry Friends 5K series, which takes place in Whitby in June and in Burlington in September, is a fundraising event that gives you the opportunity get some fresh air and exercise with your dog and raise funds for local animal shelters at the same time. Included in your race registration fee is a race T-shirt and race kit, a doggie bandana for your furry friend, a free professional race photo download and an entry into a prize draw.

I Run & Rock (New Market, ON)
The annual I Run & Rock event in New Market, ON is a dog-friendly 1 km, 5 km and 10 km run in support of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The event, which is held in May, was created by first responders in Ontario to help raise awareness and funds for PTSD support programs, such as the trauma dog program where people with PTSD are given a support dog to help them with their condition. After the races, participants, their families and their best furry friends can stick around for a rock concert, a fun kids area, beer tasting in a craft brewery area, police K-9 demos and more.

Ruff Mudder Obstacle Adventure Race (Stayner, ON)
If you think obstacle course racing is fun, imagine how fun it would be with your canine companion by your side as you balance across logs, splash through creeks, crawl through tunnels and climb up and over obstacles of all kinds? The Ruff Mudder Obstacle Course race, happening in August, is a 3 – 5 km adventure race fit for people and dogs of all fitness levels. Aside from the two race course distances (the 5 km race features 50 obstacles—the most out of any obstacle course race in Canada!), the event offers an entire day of activities, including vendors, food, agility courses, costume contests and more.

Dash of Doom (Calgary, AB)
Get your pet in the spirit of Halloween (sans fireworks, of course) by bringing him or her to the Dash of Doom, happening the Saturday before Halloween in October. The race, which is organized by the Calgary Marathon Society to support the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, takes place at dusk and features a 1 km Kids’ Run, 5 km Fun Run/Walk (most suitable for your pup) and a 10 km Competitive Run. Costumes for you and your pet are definitely encouraged.  
 

 

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