Dog Days Run Walk

Run or Walk the Dogs Days 5 mile, 5 K, or 2 mile event on Saturday, June 13, 2026!  This family-friendly event supports the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, helping raise funds to provide the training and education needed for our community to fully benefit from the recently passed Jill’s Law, ensuring insurance covers advanced testing to allow earlier, more accurate diagnoses and access to newer treatments that can slow the disease, giving families more time to plan and be together.

The 5 Mile, 5K, and 2 Mile races kick off early in the morning to beat the heat, offering participants the choice to run or walk with or without their furry companions. All routes will start and finish at Kamper Park (107 S 17th Avenue in Hattiesburg) at 7:30 a.m., guiding participants through the scenic Avenues of Hattiesburg, a charming neighborhood with shaded paths. Expect encouragement along the way from community volunteers. The race concludes back at Kamper Park, where a lively Finish Line Festival ("Pawty") awaits both racers and their pets.

For canine participants, please ensure your pup is in good health and properly conditioned to join the race. The 2 mile and 5K routes are pup-friendly, with water stations provided for both runners and dogs. Dogs are not permitted in the 5 mile run.   All dogs must be vaccinated and they must be leashed with fixed leashes. (No retractable leashes, please!) While the race starts early, be mindful of your pet's comfort and potential overheating. Our priority is ensuring a fun and safe experience for all participants, human and canine alike!

At the Dog Days event, enjoy breakfast by Topher's, participate in the Run-by Dog Pageant judged by local celebrities along the race course (dogs identified by participants' bib numbers), and receive custom finisher medals for all racers. Additionally, all participants will receive a limited edition event t-shirt if registered before the t shirt cut off date (TBA). The race will starting promptly at 7:30 a.m. and is timed by MS Race  Timing. We want all our paticipants to stick around for the Finish Line Festival, featuring vendors, refreshments, entertainment, door prizes, and plenty of fun! 

ALL participants who finish their chosen event will receive a Limited Edition custom finisher medal at the finish line.  The TOP TEN "BIG DOGS" will also be awarded prizes.  The "Big Dogs" are the fastest ten Male and Female finishers in the 5 mile race and the fastest ten Male/Female finishers with/without dogs in the 5k and 2 Mile Walk events.

Bring your pooch dressed in their finest costume and ready to show off their tricks to compete in the Run-by Dog Pageant.  (See details above.) Prizes will be awarded in the following Run-by Dog Pageant categories:

Coolest Dog
Best Dressed
Best Parent/Pooch Pair
Tiny Tot
Super Dog
Diva Dog
Most Handsome Hound

and newest custom addition: Purple Royalty

Packet Pick up:
Friday   4:30-7:00pm   Keg and Barrel.  1315 Hardy Street
Saturday   6:00 - 7:00 am  Kamper Park near the start line

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