CARA Run for Their Lives!
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CARA Run For Their Lives! 2026
This event is a fundraising race organized by Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) at Kiwanis Park in Sanford, North Carolina. Proceeds support the no-kill, nonprofit shelter; CARA does not receive public funding. The shelter reports placing over 350 animals in 2025 and uses event revenue for animal care and operations.
Event options include in-person races, a virtual option with a mailed T-shirt, a sleep-only option, and a kids' fun run. Awards are given for overall winners and age groups in the 5k and 10k, and the Challenge entry (completing both courses) has a special medal plus overall Challenge awards for male and female winners. Leashed dogs and strollers are permitted on course.
Distances and formats:
- 5k in-person Run/Walk, leashed dogs permitted
- 10k in-person Run/Walk, leashed dogs permitted
- Challenge (15k) completes both 5k and 10k courses, special medal
- Virtual or Sleep option, 5k or 10k, T-shirt mailed
- Kids 1/2 mile fun run for ages 12 and under, two registration options
Registration fees vary by event. Registration deadlines and T-shirt guarantee dates apply. Race-day packet pickup and new registrations are handled on site the morning of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
