Carl's 5K and Fall Fest
- Date Sat 18th October 2025
- Time 10:00AM CDT
- Location Oxford, Iowa
- Price $27.50 - $48.70
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for an unforgettable day of celebration at Carl's 5K and Fall Fest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in beautiful Oxford, Johnson! This special event honors the life and legacy of Carl, the first cow rescued by Iowa Farm Sanctuary, who captured hearts and brought joy to countless visitors. Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to participate in this unique 5K race that winds through the sanctuary grounds, offering a 360-degree tour of the area while our rescued residents cheer you on.
Not only will you enjoy a fun-filled race, but the festivities extend beyond the finish line! After completing the course, indulge in delicious pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls and cider while creating cherished fall memories with friends and family. This year, attendees will also have the chance to support the stories of other dairy industry survivors as part of Carl's legacy. With an option for self-timed virtual participation, everyone can join in the fun! Registration includes an exclusive t-shirt, bib, and medal, so don’t miss out on this exciting celebration of community, compassion, and Carl’s enduring spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of a heartwarming event that promises to be a highlight of the season!
Not only will you enjoy a fun-filled race, but the festivities extend beyond the finish line! After completing the course, indulge in delicious pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls and cider while creating cherished fall memories with friends and family. This year, attendees will also have the chance to support the stories of other dairy industry survivors as part of Carl's legacy. With an option for self-timed virtual participation, everyone can join in the fun! Registration includes an exclusive t-shirt, bib, and medal, so don’t miss out on this exciting celebration of community, compassion, and Carl’s enduring spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of a heartwarming event that promises to be a highlight of the season!
Organiser's Description
Please join us in celebrating Carls life and legacy at Carls 5K on OCTOBER 13, 2024!
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 8th 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!
NEW THIS YEAR: AS PART OF CARL'S LEGACY, WE'RE SHARING THE STORIES OF OUR OTHER OUR DAIRY INDUSTRY SURVIVORS. CONSIDER JOINING A HERD MEMBER'S TEAM! WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL RACE, READ THROUGH THE STORIES OF OUR NINE BRAVE BOYS AND SELECT A TEAM TO JOIN AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. YOU WILL RECEIVE SOMETHING EXTRA IN YOUR PACKET TO SHOW OFF YOUR SUPPORT!
NEW THIS YEAR: 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 16, 2024 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 8th 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!
NEW THIS YEAR: AS PART OF CARL'S LEGACY, WE'RE SHARING THE STORIES OF OUR OTHER OUR DAIRY INDUSTRY SURVIVORS. CONSIDER JOINING A HERD MEMBER'S TEAM! WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL RACE, READ THROUGH THE STORIES OF OUR NINE BRAVE BOYS AND SELECT A TEAM TO JOIN AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. YOU WILL RECEIVE SOMETHING EXTRA IN YOUR PACKET TO SHOW OFF YOUR SUPPORT!
NEW THIS YEAR: 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 16, 2024 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 18th October 2025 (10:00AM CDT)
$48.70
OPENS 08 AUGPlease note: Participants who register after September 16, 2024 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 08 AUGCan't make it to Iowa Farm Sanctuary on October 13th? 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 their bib and medal, 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 16, 2024 will receive an entry, bib, medal and race packet. Shirts will not be available or included. -
Carl's 5K and Fall Fest- Spectator Pass (Non-Runner/Walker)
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 18th October 2025 (10:00AM CDT)
$27.50
OPENS 08 AUGWe 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. Shirts will be available for purchase on registrations completed by 9/16/24. 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.
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