5k Dog Friendly Races | Run That Mutt - Dog Friendly Races (2024)

FAQs

Can you run a 5K with a dog? ›

Exercising together can create a strong bond between you and your dog, and with the proper training and time your dog will enjoy running races as much as you do. A dog 5K can be a great experience for you both. Make sure to take it all in. After the race go and socialize with other runners and their dogs.

Canicross is a sport where a dog and human run together in a team. In canicross, the dog runs in front and the runner guides him/her from behind using verbal cues.

“Dogs with long, straight legs, like labs and border collies make great running companions.” To train for marathons or half-marathons, the two stick to a training plan, and depending on what they are training for, typically run 30 to 45 miles a week together.

You're probably asking yourself, “how many miles is a 5K?” in fear that it's some inhumanly long distance. Well, a 5K is just 3.1 miles, making it an ideal choice for your first race.

In 2017 Ben Robinson and his dog Blake beat the longstanding world record for running five kilometers by 13 seconds with a time of 12 minutes and 24 seconds. He also ran 1 kilometer in 2:04 with his dog Zuma in 2020.

It is usually recommended to wait until your dog is skeletally mature before running with them, as it can place extra strain on their growing bones. This age varies a little breed to breed, but usually around one year old is safe.

Pugs, Pekingese, Bulldogs, and even Boxers should not be taken on long runs. Running just isn't safe for these breeds. Dogs cut out for running include Border Collies, Dalmatians, Siberian Huskies, and Australian Shepherds.

Running a race with your dog is a great way to spend quality time together and exercise outside. While certain mutts can run marathons with little training, others might be tired on a trot around the block.

The gold standard for pretty much any activity, the Labrador retriever will run over hill and dale for days at a time. Their sturdy build and eager personality mean that there's virtually no terrain or distance that they can't cover. Beware, though. If you skip a day or two, your lab still needs to expend that energy.

Jellybean has become the unofficial mascot of the Davis Fleet Feet run crew. “We always thought she'd bomb out at 13 miles, then 18 miles, 20 miles and she finished it all, 26.2,” Owens said. The nine-pound pooch has tackled a marathon and two ultra-runs and everything in between.

How far is too far for a dog to run? ›

How far a dog can safely run depends so much on the unique dog. If the dog is in top physical condition and the weather conditions are also perfect, some dogs can easily run further than a marathon, even taking on distances of 50 miles+.

Labs, beagles and English setters are good for distances up to 10K, but if you want to spend more quality time with your pet, huskies, Goldendoodles, Weimaraners and Vizslas enjoy 10-mile-plus distances.

Average time and pace

Everyday runners can aim to complete a mile in about 9 to 12 minutes. This means you'll finish a 5K in about 28 to 37 minutes. Walkers can expect to complete a mile in about 15 to 20 minutes. Walking at a brisk pace should enable you to finish a 5K at around the hour mark.

A lot of dogs of all breeds and sizes can easily handle a nice, steady 5-mile run once or twice a week. Others can handle 10+ miles easily. Think dogs meant for hunting or endurance. Breeds like pointers, huskies, vizslas and weimaraners.

If you want to get more active, something like the NHS Couch to 5K challenge might be the perfect way to improve your fitness week-by-week. You could make it even more fun by having your dog learn along with you.

For your average dog with average training, a daily 3- to 5-mile run should be no problem. But it's best to slowly ease into running if your dog is not used to it. See our article on tips for running with your dog if you'd like to get started.

Distance will be judged by your individual dog, remember to build them slowly, I've always gone with a loose rule of never running more than half the longest walk the dog is used to. So if we regularly walk 6 miles I won't run him more than 3.