Run for the Animals 5K

Run for the Animals 5K Race Information

<h5 style="line-height:1.2"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Please join us for the <em>30th Annual Run for the Animals 5K</em> on Sunday, October 5th! </strong></span></h5> <p style="line-height:1.2"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>Run for the Animals</strong> 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. </span></p> <p>New in 2025, we’re thrilled to partner with Perfect Timing Race Management, known for their work with major local events like Hoosiers Outrun Cancer and the Hoosier Half Marathon. The course will once again start at Karst Farm Park and loop through the Monroe County Fairgrounds, but this year, we’re making it easier for participants and families to celebrate together. The awards ceremony and sponsor booths will now be located near the start/finish line, making for a more centralized, festive atmosphere—and faster results posting!</p> <p>While Barktoberfest will no longer take place in the field near registration, we’re keeping the fun alive with raffles and fan-favorite contests, including the fastest peanut butter licker and best pet costume, now happening right after the awards ceremony. <strong>You don&#39;t have to be registered in the 5K to participate in the raffle and pet contests!</strong></p> <p>Also, be sure to stop by our sponsors&#39; tables to say hello!  The Dog House, German American Bank, Mad 4 My Dog, Raising Cane&#39;s, RCV Roofing, Scout&#39;s Honor, and Studio K-9 will be on site to cheer participants on!</p> <p> </p> <p style="line-height:1.2"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Event Schedule:</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )">Saturday, October 4</span></strong></p> <p><strong>5:00–7:00 PM:</strong> Preregistered Packet Pick-up at Karst Farm Park Commons Bldg</p> <p><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Sunday, October 5</strong></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.2"><strong>8:00 AM:</strong> Packet Pick-up &amp; Onsite Registration Opens<br /><strong>9:20 AM:</strong> Registration Closes, Trainer-led Group Stretch<br /><strong>9:30 AM:</strong> 5K Run/Walk Begins<br /><strong>10:30 AM:</strong> 5K Run/Walk Awards Ceremony<br /><strong>11:00 AM: </strong>Pet Costume Contest, Fastest Peanut Butter Licker Contest, &amp; Raffle Winners Announced</p> <p style="line-height:1.2"><strong>Important Notice for Canine Participants:</strong> As required by the state of Indiana, all dogs must be up to date on the rabies vaccination. 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!</p> <p style="line-height:1.2"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>5K Award Categories:</strong></span></p> <ul><li>Top 3 Overall Men&#39;s 5K</li><li>Top 3 Overall Women&#39;s 5K</li><li>Top 3 Youth (12 &amp; under) Male 5K</li><li>Top 3 Youth (12 &amp; under) Female 5K</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 13-17 years</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 18-24 years</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 25-29 years</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 30-39 years</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 40-49 years</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 50-59 years</li><li>Top 3 Male &amp; Top 3 Female 60&#43; years</li><li>Top Canine 5K</li></ul> <p style="line-height:1.2"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">This event is so important to MCHA and our ability to provide the many programs and services that would otherwise not exist in our community. MCHA advocates for a more humane future for the pets in our community by being a provider of accessible veterinary care through our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, E. Susan Bartlett Crisis Housing Program, Emergency Pet Food &amp; Supply Pantry, Therapy Animal Program, Street Outreach Program, 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! MCHA is a private 501c3 non-profit that receives no funding from national organizations or tax dollars.</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.2"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">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!</span><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"></span><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><br /></span></p>