Richmond SPCA's 24th Annual Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party

For general information about the Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party, including our event and entertainment schedule, location and registration fees, please visit our Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party website.

What is the Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party?
The Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party is a fun-filled day for the whole family! All proceeds benefit the Richmond SPCA's lifesaving programs. Activities include a timed 5K, a Kids' Fun Run, a leisurely 1-mile Dog Jog, an outdoor Marketplace, which includes activities for both pets and kids, and a Block Party featuring live music, entertainment and adult beverages.

When and where is the Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party?
All in-person events will be held at our Robins-Starr Humane Center, 2519 Hermitage Road, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The 5K starts at 10 a.m., the Kids' Fun Run starts at 11 a.m., and the Dog Jog begins at 11:30 a.m. The Block Party is from 12 to 5 p.m. The outdoor Marketplace opens at 9:30 a.m. For the full schedule and event details, visit our website.

What will the money raised support?
All net proceeds support our lifesaving programs. Each year the Richmond SPCA saves the lives of about 4,000 homeless pets. We also assist thousands of pets and people through crucial programs like our free pet pantry, Behavior Helpline, full-service, low cost veterinary hospital, low-cost and free spay and neuter clinic, crisis boarding and more.

What if it rains?
Don’t even say it! This event is rain or shine. Due to pre-arranged road closures and required police staffing, there is no alternative date for the Dog Jog or 5K.

As this is a vital fundraiser, refunds are not provided. Race insurance can be purchased for those who are interested. 
 
If severe weather occurs, the Block Party will be moved to Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Will the Richmond SPCA’s retail shop and adoption center be open?
Yes. Our retail shop and adoption center will open at 11 a.m. on the day of the Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party.

Will food and drinks be available for purchase?
Yes, we will have food and beverage trucks.

When can I pick up my bag, bib number and T-shirt?
Pre-registered participants can pick up race packets, T-shirts, and bib numbers (5K only) during drive-thru packet pickup in the front parking lot at the Richmond SPCA (2519 Hermitage Road) on Tuesday, March 17 (noon–6 p.m.) or Wednesday, March 18 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.). A final pickup opportunity will be Friday, March 20, from noon to 7 p.m. at Smoky’s Training Center at the Richmond SPCA. (Accessed from the second parking lot along Rhoadmiller Street). We encourage early pickup to avoid event-day lines. You can pick up packets for others by signing for them on the registration list.

Team captains picking up for the entire team should email jjones@richmondspca.org in advance. Don't forget to let your team members know you are doing this!

Where should I park?
Free parking is available at The Flying Squirrels Green and Pink lots, just two blocks from the Richmond SPCA. To reach our facility, exit the Squirrels lot on Hermitage Road and turn right. Handicapped parking is available at the Richmond SPCA. Please contact Janae Jones at jjones@richmondspca.org to reserve a spot (space is limited).

Questions about the Dog Jog

When should I arrive to participate in the Dog Jog?
Registered Dog Jog participants should arrive by 11 a.m. If picking up your T-shirt and packet, arrive by 10:30 a.m. Allow 5-10 extra minutes to walk to our facility from the Green and Pink parking lots (corner of Hermitage and Robin Hood Roads).

What are the safety rules or requirements for participation in the Dog Jog?
Safety rules for the day, including the 1-mile Dog Jog:

• One dog per person; multiple people may walk one registered dog.
• Keep dogs on a short leash with ID tags and collar; no flexi/retractable leads are permitted.
• Pets must be at least 6 months old, current on vaccinations (proof not required), and not in heat.
• Maintain a leisurely pace and be kind to your dog.

My dog (or I) cannot run a full mile. Can we still participate?
Yes! Most participants walk the 1-mile loop instead of running it. Water stops will be available for both humans and dogs. View our Dog Jog course map.

Are strollers allowed in the Dog Jog?
Yes! Stollers/baby joggers are allowed in the Dog Jog but not in the 5K. 

Can I participate in the Dog Jog without a dog or join someone else whose dog is registered? 
Yes! Dog Jog registration is per dog, not per person. If you'd like to fundraise and be counted as a participant, you can register for the Cat Nap option, which has no fee (and does not include a T-shirt or goodie bag).

May I walk or jog in the Dog Jog with a pet currently in the care of the Richmond SPCA?
Thank you for wanting to include pets awaiting adoption in the fun! This registration option is only open to Running Buddies™ volunteers who have been active within the past six months. Qualified individuals will receive a special code for registration. Interested in becoming a Running Buddy? Click here for more information or contact our volunteer department at 804-521-1329. 

Questions about the 5K

When should I arrive?
Registered 5K runners should arrive by 9:30 a.m. If picking up a shirt, bib, and packet, arrive by 9:15 a.m. Allow an extra 5 to ten minutes to walk from the Flying Squirrels parking area to the Richmond SPCA.

Can my dog run the 5K?
Dogs aren’t permitted in the 5K. If you’re participating in the 5K and Dog Jog, please have a buddy there to watch your dog while you run the 5K.

What is the course like?
The 5K is flat, chip-timed and measured according to USAT&F Standards. View our 5K course map.

May I walk the 5K?
Yes, walking is allowed.

Are strollers allowed in the 5K?
No, however strollers are allowed in the Dog Jog.

Can I use a wheelchair in the 5K?
Racing wheelchairs are allowed; cycles are not.

When and where are times posted?
Times are posted at Smoky’s Training Center within 90 minutes of the race’s finish. Results will also be linked on our Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party website after the event.

Are awards and medals given?
Yes. Awards are given to our top three finishers in each age group and overall (male/female/non-binary). All 5K participants will receive medals at the finish line. Learn more about the awards that will be given out this year!

Will water and snacks be available?
Yes, bottled water and fruit will be provided at the finish.

Questions about the Kids' Fun Run

Who can participate?
Children ages 4–10.

Where does it start and end?
The run starts and ends in front of the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital at the Richmond SPCA. The course is half a mile.

When should we arrive?
Arrive by 10:15 a.m. and gather by 10:50 a.m. on Rhoadmiller Street in front of our Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. 

Can I run with my child?
Yes, one parent or guardian can run with their child without registering.

Is there a cost?
No, it’s free.

Will there be prizes?
Yes, each child will receive a special participation prize.

Questions about the Block Party

What will the day be like?
The Block Party will kick off immediately after the Dog Jog (around noon) with bands, food and beverage trucks and an outdoor Marketplace. There will be activities for pets and kids. The adoption center will also be open.

What does it cost to attend?
The Block Party is FREE to attend. Donations are welcome at the entrance gate.

Questions about the Run Anywhere 5K or Dog Jog

How do I participate?
If you can’t join us in person, you can participate from anywhere on March 20–22 using the RaceJoy app.

Are awards given for Run Anywhere participants?
Yes, but you must track your run using the RaceJoy app to qualify. Awards are given to our top three finishers in each age group and overall (male/female/non-binary). Learn more about the awards that will be given out this year.

How do I use the RaceJoy app?
Visit our race timing page for details.

Registration/Website Questions

How do I register?
Register online or email jjones@richmondspca.org or call 804-521-1309 to register offline. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. March 20. You may register in person the day of the event between 8:15 and 9:15 a.m. for the 5K or between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. for the Dog Jog. We encourage you to pre-register for our Kids' Fun Run so we have an accurate idea of how many kids will be joining us.

Do I need a ticket to attend just the Block Party?
No, just show up! Donations are welcome at the entrance.

Questions about Fundraising and Donations

What’s the fundraising goal?
We hope to raise $224,000 to support our mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Every dollar you help us raise is lifesaving! 

How can I help?
Your registration fees, raffle ticket purchases and donations all support this lifesaving event. You can also help us fundraise by encouraging gifts in honor of your participation among your own networks.

Why isn’t my donation showing on my page?
Donors have the option for their name and donation amount to remain anonymous.

Can matching gifts count toward my total?
Yes, matching gifts can be applied. Please check with your employer to find out if a match can be made for the gift, and to get the necessary paperwork. Please be sure to make a note on the paperwork that the match is to be applied to the Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party. Contact jjones@richmondspca.org for assistance.

A donor accidentally made a donation to the event main donation page, when it was meant to be added to my fundraising total. How can I fix this?
Please email jjones@richmondspca.org or call 804-521-1309 to reassign the gift to the correct person or team.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, donations are tax-deductible, however registration fees, raffle purchases and T-shirt purchases are not.

How do I submit offline donations?
Mail checks or drop off cash donations at the Richmond SPCA at 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23220. It’s a great idea to use our offline donation collection form to help you keep track.

Can I donate to a team?
Yes, donations to individuals or teams count toward their fundraising total.

How are top fundraisers recognized?
Prizes are awarded to the top three adult, youth and team fundraisers. Prizes will be awarded for all participants who raise more than $250.

Team-Related Questions

How do I form a team?
Create a team online at richmondspca.org/dogjog and invite friends, family, neighbors or co-workers to join you!

Do donations to personal pages count toward the team total?
Yes, donations to individual pages are counted toward the team total.

How do I join a team?
Click “Join an existing team” during the registration process. If you have registered as an individual but would like to join an existing team, please email jjones@richmondspca.org or call 804-521-1309 to add you to an existing team.

Do I have to join a team?
No, you can participate as an individual.

How many members can a team have?
Teams can have an unlimited number of members.

Is there a minimum fundraising amount per team?
There is no required amount, however, we welcome all team members to help fundraise.

Do all team members have to register for the same event?
No, members can participate in the Dog Jog, 5K or as Cat Nappers.

How are team fundraising goals set?
Team captains set the fundraising goals and can adjust them anytime.

If your question was not answered here, please email Janae Jones, assistant manager of events, at jjones@richmondspca.org or call her at 804-521-1309. Thanks!