Paws For Mental Health 5k
- Date Sat 16th May 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Presque Isle, Maine
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Join us for the vibrant Paws For Mental Health 5K on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the picturesque Riverside Park in Presque Isle, Aroostook! This uplifting event invites participants of all ages to take part in a timed 5K walk/run or an untimed 1-mile fun run/walk, all while advocating for mental health awareness and animal welfare. Last year's inaugural event was a resounding success, raising nearly $3,000 to support community initiatives, and this year promises to be even better!
Registration kicks off early at 8:00 AM, ensuring a full day of excitement with the 5K starting at 8:30 AM, followed by the 1-mile event at 9:30 AM. After the races, enjoy a lively community celebration featuring delicious food trucks, live music from the Mark Shaw Band, and a Craft and Vendor Fair hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Whether you bring your furry friend or come solo, your participation will help break the stigma around mental illness while fostering community spirit. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference and have fun at the same time!
Registration kicks off early at 8:00 AM, ensuring a full day of excitement with the 5K starting at 8:30 AM, followed by the 1-mile event at 9:30 AM. After the races, enjoy a lively community celebration featuring delicious food trucks, live music from the Mark Shaw Band, and a Craft and Vendor Fair hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Whether you bring your furry friend or come solo, your participation will help break the stigma around mental illness while fostering community spirit. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference and have fun at the same time!
Organiser's Description
PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT 4PM (EST) ON MAY 15, 2026 FOR RACE ADMINISTRATION. PARTICIPANTS CAN ARRIVE ON SITE AND REGISTER IN PERSON ON MAY 16TH!
Paws For Mental Health is a dog-friendly community walk to bring mental health and animal welfare to the forefront. In 2025, the club hosted our 1st annual Paws For Mental Health 5K, raising nearly $3,000 and used those funds to invest in more Hope Gardens in the community.
Now in 2026, we are moving the event to Riverside Park in Presque Isle and have expanded the event to include a timed 5K walk/run as well as an untimed 1 mile fun run (or walk!) Funds raised from this event will be used to to bring speakers to the local schools and help with local efforts to break the stigma of mental illness.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
8:00AM-8 Registration for 5K Walkers and Runners
8 Route Course and Safety Meeting
8 5K START
9:00-9:30AM Registration for the 1 mile walk
9:30AM 5K Race Results, 1 Mile Walk Route Review and Safety Meeting
9 1 Mile Walk Start
10:00AM- 12:00PM Community Celebration. Check out the food trucks, live music from the Mark Shaw Band, on site vendors, and Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Craft and Vendor Fair (located inside the Sargent Community Center).
_HOW DOES THIS EVENT RAISE FUNDS?_ Participants can raise funds to support the initiatives if they choose by making personal donations or soliciting pledges/sponsorships from their family and friends, but donations are NOT required. Click here to access our online donation form or here to access a printable pledge sheet that can be returned (with all pledged funds) on the day of the event.
_DO I HAVE TO HAVE A DOG TO PARTICIPATE?_ NO! While participants are invited to bring their four legged companions, this event is open to anyone in our community!
Paws For Mental Health is a dog-friendly community walk to bring mental health and animal welfare to the forefront. In 2025, the club hosted our 1st annual Paws For Mental Health 5K, raising nearly $3,000 and used those funds to invest in more Hope Gardens in the community.
Now in 2026, we are moving the event to Riverside Park in Presque Isle and have expanded the event to include a timed 5K walk/run as well as an untimed 1 mile fun run (or walk!) Funds raised from this event will be used to to bring speakers to the local schools and help with local efforts to break the stigma of mental illness.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
8:00AM-8 Registration for 5K Walkers and Runners
8 Route Course and Safety Meeting
8 5K START
9:00-9:30AM Registration for the 1 mile walk
9:30AM 5K Race Results, 1 Mile Walk Route Review and Safety Meeting
9 1 Mile Walk Start
10:00AM- 12:00PM Community Celebration. Check out the food trucks, live music from the Mark Shaw Band, on site vendors, and Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Craft and Vendor Fair (located inside the Sargent Community Center).
_HOW DOES THIS EVENT RAISE FUNDS?_ Participants can raise funds to support the initiatives if they choose by making personal donations or soliciting pledges/sponsorships from their family and friends, but donations are NOT required. Click here to access our online donation form or here to access a printable pledge sheet that can be returned (with all pledged funds) on the day of the event.
_DO I HAVE TO HAVE A DOG TO PARTICIPATE?_ NO! While participants are invited to bring their four legged companions, this event is open to anyone in our community!
Races
-
Paws for Mental Health 5k Walk/Run
Sat 16th May 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
CLOSEDThis 5K Run/Walk is a timed event. The route is both on road and off road, primarily taking place along Mary's Mile, and the Bike path near the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Participants will then run north along Main Street before connecting back to Mary's Mile to finish. Medals will be given to first and second place finishers in the men's, women's, and youth categories. For a map of the race route, visit: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3276373?units=km -
1 Mile Community Walk
Sat 16th May 2026 (9:30AM EDT)
CLOSEDThe 1 mile community walk is open to community members of all ages, and is dog and stroller friendly! Follow the Mary's Mile Walking Trail and stop at checkpoints along the way to learn more about mental health statistics and community resources along the way.
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37 Riverside Drive, Presque Isle, 04769, ME, United States
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Paws For Mental Health 5k
