**ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON RACE DAY**
After 6:30, register on site at the blue check in tent BEGINNING AT 7AM.

8:15AM - 5K RACE
9:00AM - 1M WALK

CHECK IN TIMES:
RUNNER CHECK IN: 7:15-8:00
WALKER CHECK IN: 8:15-8:45

WANT TO RUN WITH YOUR DOG? We welcome your leashed dogs to run or walk the course. Please have your dogs on a 4-6 foot leash - no retractable leashes please. REGISTER AS WITH DOG-LIVE 5K RUN so we can easily identify and reward our runners with dogs. Registrants can change this category up until the start of the race. ALL runners with dogs WILL BE eligible for age level awards.

WANT TO WALK THE 5K COURSE? Yes, you can walk the 5K course. REGISTER AS 1M LIVE UNTIMED WALK. Check in for walkers is 8:15-9:00. Let us know when you check in that you are walking the 5K course when you check in.

VIRTUAL RACE/WALK DATES:
Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20

COURSE TYPE: Entire course is within the park grounds and is paved except for small crossing areas that may have light gravel. The event site, check in area and vendor area are ON GRASS AND WILL BE WET IN THE MORNING. PLAN ACCORDINGLY. THE RACE IS RUN ON PAVED PATHS WITH A FEW GRAVEL CROSSING SITES -- ALL WITHIN THE PARK GROUNDS. RUNNERS WILL RUN BEFORE WALKERS SO NO OVERLAPPING WILL OCCUR.

RACE SHIRTS:
In an effort to reduce costs associated with this event, WE ARE OFFERING SHIRTS BY RESERVATION ONLY. Reserve your shirt when registering to ensure you receive your size. LAST DATE TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE A SHIRT IS MARCH 21 If no shirt is ordered (for on-site participants), the registration fee is reduced by $5.00 at that time. After March 31, the discount does not apply.

CHILDREN AGED 0-10 ARE FREE. There is no option for shirts for these children. If you want to purchase a shirt for a child, email the race director BEFORE April 4 to make arrangements.

ON SITE RUNNERS/WALKERS: ONLY pre-ordered shirts will be distributed at check in. (Must be registered by March 21). There will be NO EXTRA SHIRTS.
VIRTUAL runners/walkers: Shirts are an optional purchase when registering by . AFTER March 21 2026, virtual runners/walkers cannot order shirts.

AWARDS (FOR RUNNERS ON SITE ONLY) - Runners are eligible for overall awards AND age group awards.
Top Overall Male
Top Overall Female
1st, 2nd & 3rd Male Running With Dog
1st, 2nd & 3rd Female Running With Dog
1st & 2nd Male & Female in Age Groups:
60 & Up
50-59
40-49
30-39
20-29
11-19

ON SITE FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS [https://runsignup.com/Race/OPHAnnualFastFurriest/Page-5]
FOOD TRUCKS:
TBD

VENDORS [https://runsignup.com/Race/OPHAnnualFastFurriest/Page-5]
TBD

The 11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K race and 1M walk to benefit Operation Paws for Homes - an all-breed 501c3 dog rescue - is one of the rescue's largest annual fundraisers.

This year's race is focused on HELPING DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH HEARTWORM DISEASE. These dogs are often the last to leave a shelter -- if they leave at all. The rural shelters we service do not have the resources to treat these animals who are sick through no fault of their own. Without rescue or adoption from the shelter, the chances are slim they will survive.

Each year, Operation Paws for Homes incurs vast medical costs - in 2025, costs will exceed $150,000. Treating the heartworm positive dogs who are lucky enough to come to the rescue make up about $30,000 - about 20% of total medical costs, This event aims to replenish a piece of those funds - and, hopefully, exceed so we can treat even more. We encourage families, runners, walkers, supporters and anyone interested in helping this organization while enjoying a fun event.

A CHANGE to our Donate & Dash area. This year, we plan to offer only gift cards and gift certificates for various businesses and restaurants. Some gift cards might come with a basket - depending on the donor. The concept is the same though - just donate the D&D suggested amount and take it!

Tell all your friends and family - wherever they are located - they, too, can participate in this event and support the many dogs that need us every single day. Let's make it coast to coast this year! Anyone can participate using a VIRTUAL OPTION. We are excited to host this event again and hope you are just as excited to join us !