Homo sapiens may dominate marathons, Ragnar Relays, and Ironman Triathlons… for now. But more human races are opening their doors to canine competitors, provided they’re well behaved and leash trained. (If only that was a requirement for human participants, too.)
While all dogs need to exercise, especially given that over half of dogs in America are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, make sure your dog is in shape before entering any event. If exercise is new for your dog, begin with a few blocks of running or walking, and gradually increase by 15 percent each week, says Lindsay Seilheimer, D.V.M., C.C.R.P., rehabilitative medicine veterinarian at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Chicago.
During workouts, give your dog time to warm up and cool down, take regular water breaks, check paws frequently (“running on pavement can cause abrasion to paw pads,” Seilheimer says, adding that it’s best to stick to a softer, grassy surface when possible), use a short lead so you have the most control, and avoid retractable leashes. Watch the temperature, too. If it’s too hot, your dog could be at risk for heat stroke.
Got a young pup? Walking is no problem, but if it’s a small breed, wait until it’s at least a year to start running, 14 months for large dogs, Seilheimer says. Keep in mind, too, that if you have a dog with a short nose, like a bulldog or pug, they’ll have a harder time moving air into their lungs, so be cautious about doing strenuous activity with them.
If your pup’s healthy and willing to run or walk, get your paws on a spot in one of these canine races this summer and fall:
1) K9 Classic
Where: Fort Wayne, Ind.
When: June 4
How long: 5K
2) Paws4Life
Where: Farmington, Pa.
When: June 6
How long: 1 mile, 5K
Where: Vail, Colo.
When: June 10
How long: 1 mile, 5K
Where: San Antonio, Texas
When: June 12
How long: 5K
5) Furry 5K
Where: Seattle
When: June 12
How long: 5K
6) Dog Gone Run
Where: Bend, Ore.
When: June 18
How long: 5K
Where: Chicago
When: July 18
How long: 5K
8) The Good Dog – Dirty Dog 5K Run/Walk
Where: Granite Bay, Calif.
When: August 14
How long: 5K
Where: St. Paul, Minn.
When: September 18
How long: 5K
Where: September 22
When: Chicago
How long: 5K
Where: Mountain Home, Ark.
When: September 24
How long: 1 mile, 5K
12) Circle the Lake
Where: Faribault, Minn.
When: September 24
How long: 5K, 10K, half marathon
13) Strut Your Mutt
Where: New York City
When: October 1
How long: 1 and 2 miles
Where: South Orange, N.J.
When: October 8
How long: 3 miles or 200 feet (for aging or disabled dogs)
Where: Pasadena, Calif.
When: October 15
How long: 1K, 5K, 10K
16) Columbia Gorge Half Marathon Dog Leg
Where: Portland, Ore.
When: Oct. 23
How long: Half marathon
17) Screaming Banshee 5K/10K/Half
Where: Pottersville, Mo.
When: October 25
How long: 5K, 10K, half marathon
Where: Atlanta
When: October 29
How long: 5K
19) Bark ‘N Dash
Where: Annapolis, Md.
When: October 29
How long: 1 mile, 5K
20) The Doggy Run
Where: Melbourne, Fla.
When: October 30
How long: 1 mile, 5K
Where: Albuquerque, N.M.
When: November 1
How long: Short fun walk/run, 5K
Where: Topeka, Kan.
When: November 5
How long: 5K
23) Winter Sun 10K
Where: Moab, Utah
When: December 3
How long: 10K
