Fast & Furriest 5K
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Event details
The 11th Annual Fast & Furriest is a community fundraiser consisting of a live 5K race and a 1-mile untimed walk, plus virtual options. The live event takes place in Walkersville, Maryland on April 19, 2026. The virtual event window runs from April 17 to April 20, 2026. The event benefits Operation Paws for Homes, a 501(c)(3) dog rescue, and this year emphasizes funding treatment for dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease. The source notes that 2025 medical costs for the rescue exceeded $150,000 and that heartworm treatment accounted for about $30,000, roughly 20 percent of those costs.
Distances
- 5K (live and virtual)
- 1M (1-mile live untimed walk and virtual)
Course, registration and amenities
The course is entirely within Heritage Farm Park and is paved except for a few small gravel crossings. The event site, check-in area and vendor area are on grass and may be wet in the morning. Dogs on 4-6 foot leashes are permitted; retractable leashes are not allowed. Race shirts are available by reservation only; the last date to register to receive a shirt is March 21, 2026. Children aged 0-10 register free. On-site food trucks and vendors are listed as TBD.
Awards and fundraising
On-site runners are eligible for overall and age-group awards, plus awards for runners with dogs. The event includes a Donate & Dash area offering gift cards and certificates as donor items. Registration pricing and category options vary by event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
