Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

Join Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter as we come together to raise funds for the Cupid Fund. 

The Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash is a major fundraiser for the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS) and a wag of a great time! The annual event draws animal lovers from all over to share the day with and in honor of four-legged friends. In addition to the official 5K and 10K events, the day includes vendors, food, and of course, a chance to meet FURiends. 

The Cupid Fund

The Cupid Fund is a special fund dedicated to helping our shelter animals that require extraordinary medical treatment. The fund provides care for any animal needing more than the basics- spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping. All medical tests, blood work, specialist consults, surgery, treatment of illnesses, etc. are paid for by donations to FOSRAS Cupid Fund. Please visit our website at: https://www.fosras.com

Race Details

Friends, participants, and canines will run/walk the flat trails and picturesque backdrop of the flat, fast, USATF-NJ Certified Course at Duke Island Park. There will be Overall Winner Awards and Age Group Awards. Walk or run with your dog! Dogs can join the race starting at 9:20 AM and are required to start at the back of the starting group behind the runners. Registered dogs receive a doggy goody bag (while supplies last).

4 years old and under- 25 yard dash
5-7 years old- 50 yard dash

All kiddie dash participants will receive a finisher prize 

Participants registered by September 15th are guaranteed a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt. During registration, there is an option to forgo the t-shirt. 

Day of registration: 10K Run - $50 (human entry only)
                                   5K Run/Walk- $40 + $5/dog
                                   Kids 10 and under $15
                                   Kiddie Dash: $12 

To ensure an enjoyable walk for 2 legged and 4 legged participants:

• Please refrain from using Flexi leads, only 6’ leads or less allowed
• All Dogs must be current on shots and no females in heat
• Please do not bring pets whose behavior may endanger others
• Participants must clean up after their pet and provide appropriate feces collection bags for such use. 

Certified 10K Course Link

Coming soon

Certified 5K Course Link:

https://www.certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=NJ16520JHP

Event Schedule

8:30 AM Registration Opens
9:10 AM Kiddie Dash
9:25 AM 5K &10K Run/Walk Start
10:15 AM 5K Awards Ceremony
10:40 AM 10K Award Ceremony
10:45 AM Doggy Costume Contest 
9:00-12:00 PM Vendors open

Vendors will be available until 12 PM

Awards

Overall 1st place 5k - Male & Female 
Overall 2nd place 5k - Male & Female 
Overall 3rd place 5k - Male & Female 

Age categories
Top 3 5k finishers, male & female in various age categories.

Race Bibs

We use Chronotrack RFID systems for chip timing. All awards will be calculated based on chip time, not gun time.

Sponsorships Available!

Email heartandsole5knj@gmail.com to participate!

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Join fellow runners on October 18, 2026 for the Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. It's a fantastic 5K, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Bridgewater.