Carl's 5K and Fall Fest
- Date Sat 17th October 2026
- Time 10:00AM CDT
- Location Oxford, Iowa
- Price $16.90 - $48.70
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for a heartwarming celebration at Carl's 5K and Fall Fest on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the beautiful Iowa Farm Sanctuary in Oxford, Johnson. This special event honors the legacy of Carl, the first cow rescued by the sanctuary, and marks what would have been his 10th birthday. Starting at 10 AM, participants can enjoy a unique 5K race that winds through the sanctuary grounds, with our rescued residents cheering you on every step of the way. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or a family with strollers, everyone is welcome to join in the fun!
But that's not all! The festivities extend beyond the race with the 3rd Annual Fall Festival, featuring delightful treats like pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls and cider, along with fun activities such as pumpkin painting. After crossing the finish line, take the time to visit with the sanctuary's beloved animals and soak in the joyous atmosphere. Registration includes an exclusive t-shirt, bib, and medal, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Don’t miss out on this uplifting event that celebrates community, compassion, and the spirit of Carl. Register now to be part of this unforgettable day!
But that's not all! The festivities extend beyond the race with the 3rd Annual Fall Festival, featuring delightful treats like pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls and cider, along with fun activities such as pumpkin painting. After crossing the finish line, take the time to visit with the sanctuary's beloved animals and soak in the joyous atmosphere. Registration includes an exclusive t-shirt, bib, and medal, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Don’t miss out on this uplifting event that celebrates community, compassion, and the spirit of Carl. Register now to be part of this unforgettable day!
Organiser's Description
Please join us in celebrating Carls life and legacy at Carls 5K on OCTOBER 17, 2026 AT 10AM!! This year we are celebrating TEN years of Carl!
Carl was the first cow ever rescued by Iowa Farm Sanctuary. At two days old, he was taken to a veal sale, as male dairy cows are deemed useless since they cannot produce milk. His tiny body had the number 527 glued to his body. Too weak to even stand, his surrender was negotiated. He was so frail and weak that the odds of survival were not in his favor.
Through relentless care and love, Carl went on to not only survive but thrive at IFS. He grew into a spunky, rambunctious Holstein, who frequented the attention of volunteers and visitors alike. IFS began celebrating his October birthday with the community, as an opportunity to share his story and for an end-of-season fundraiser. His birthday parties were unforgettable: Imagine 250 people singing to a cow, presenting him a cake and him soaking it all in! He knew that day was ALL about him and he literally was the life of the party! We suddenly lost Carl in 2021 to a hidden illness that he contracted due to being born into the dairy industry, and life will never be the same again without him here. Celebrating Carls birthday has always been one of Iowa Farm Sanctuarys most cherished traditions. This year would have been Carls 10th birthday, but now we celebrate his legacy instead.
Carls 5K will be unlike any race youve ever participated in before, as the course will wind around our beautiful sanctuary groundsour rescued residents cheering you on as you go! You get a 360 degree tour of the sanctuary as part of our course! After you cross the finish line, you can visit with your favorite residents and stroll. Did we mention Cinnaholic will also be waiting at the finish line for you?!
ALL runners and walkers are welcome! You do not have to be athletic or fast-- EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Trust us: This event is enjoyed by runners, walkers and strollers alike! Were also offering a self-timed virtual option for those who cannot join us in person! Registration (both in-person and virtual) includes an exclusive t-shirt, bib, and medal!
3RD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL: CARL'S CELEBRATION HAS EXPANDED BEYOND THE RUN/WALK! BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, KIDDOS AND JOIN US FOR PUMPKIN SPICE CINNAMON ROLLS, CIDER AND PAINTING PUMPKINS! STICK AROUND AFTER THE RACE OR SKIP THE RACE AND JUST JOIN US FOR THE FESTIVITIES!! CARL LOVED A GOOD PARTY AND WE'RE READY TO KEEP THE FUN ROLLING!
We hope youll join us in celebration and participation at Carl's 5K and Fall Fest!
PLEASE NOTE: PARTICIPANTS WHO REGISTER AFTER SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 WILL RECEIVE THEIR ENTRY, BIB, MEDAL AND COOL RACE PACKET. SHIRTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR INCLUDED.
Carl was the first cow ever rescued by Iowa Farm Sanctuary. At two days old, he was taken to a veal sale, as male dairy cows are deemed useless since they cannot produce milk. His tiny body had the number 527 glued to his body. Too weak to even stand, his surrender was negotiated. He was so frail and weak that the odds of survival were not in his favor.
Through relentless care and love, Carl went on to not only survive but thrive at IFS. He grew into a spunky, rambunctious Holstein, who frequented the attention of volunteers and visitors alike. IFS began celebrating his October birthday with the community, as an opportunity to share his story and for an end-of-season fundraiser. His birthday parties were unforgettable: Imagine 250 people singing to a cow, presenting him a cake and him soaking it all in! He knew that day was ALL about him and he literally was the life of the party! We suddenly lost Carl in 2021 to a hidden illness that he contracted due to being born into the dairy industry, and life will never be the same again without him here. Celebrating Carls birthday has always been one of Iowa Farm Sanctuarys most cherished traditions. This year would have been Carls 10th birthday, but now we celebrate his legacy instead.
Carls 5K will be unlike any race youve ever participated in before, as the course will wind around our beautiful sanctuary groundsour rescued residents cheering you on as you go! You get a 360 degree tour of the sanctuary as part of our course! After you cross the finish line, you can visit with your favorite residents and stroll. Did we mention Cinnaholic will also be waiting at the finish line for you?!
ALL runners and walkers are welcome! You do not have to be athletic or fast-- EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Trust us: This event is enjoyed by runners, walkers and strollers alike! Were also offering a self-timed virtual option for those who cannot join us in person! Registration (both in-person and virtual) includes an exclusive t-shirt, bib, and medal!
3RD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL: CARL'S CELEBRATION HAS EXPANDED BEYOND THE RUN/WALK! BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, KIDDOS AND JOIN US FOR PUMPKIN SPICE CINNAMON ROLLS, CIDER AND PAINTING PUMPKINS! STICK AROUND AFTER THE RACE OR SKIP THE RACE AND JUST JOIN US FOR THE FESTIVITIES!! CARL LOVED A GOOD PARTY AND WE'RE READY TO KEEP THE FUN ROLLING!
We hope youll join us in celebration and participation at Carl's 5K and Fall Fest!
PLEASE NOTE: PARTICIPANTS WHO REGISTER AFTER SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 WILL RECEIVE THEIR ENTRY, BIB, MEDAL AND COOL RACE PACKET. SHIRTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR INCLUDED.
Races
-
Carl's 5K Run/Walk and Fall Fest (In-Person)
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 17th October 2026 (10:00AM CDT)
$48.70
OPENS TOMORROWPlease note: Participants who register after September 23, 2026 will receive an entry, bib, medal and race packet. Shirts will not be available or included. -
Carl's 5K Run/Walk (Virtual)
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
$48.70
OPENS TOMORROWCan't make it to Iowa Farm Sanctuary on October 17th? No problem! We have a virtual option available too, and we're excited for you to participate as part of 50 states for Carl! Participants will be mailed a packet, medal and t-shirt with the ability to upload and post their times, along with in-person participants. Please note there is an additional shipping fee for our Alaska, Hawaii, and international participants. Please note: Participants who register after September 23, 2026 will receive an entry, medal and race packet. Shirts will not be available or included. -
Carl's 5K and Fall Fest- Spectator Pass (Non-Runner/Walker)
Incl. $1.90 Fee
Sat 17th October 2026 (10:00AM CDT)
$16.90
OPENS TOMORROWWe get it: Maybe walking or running 5K just isn't your thing, but you still want to celebrate with us! Come join us to cheer on the participants (or not!) and for the festivities afterwards! Your spectator pass includes entry for a Cinnaholic cinnamon roll, cider, pumpkin to paint and sanctuary strolls during the event. Please note: If you are not planning to attend the walk/run, there will be a period between 10:00-10:30 that we will close our gates to entering cars for the safety of our participants.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
1696 250th St NW, Iowa Farm Sanctuary, Oxford, 52322, IA, United States
Carl's 5K and Fall Fest
