Richmond SPCA's 23rd 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, including pets! All proceeds benefit the Richmond SPCA and our crucial programs. Activities include a competitive, timed 5K, a Little Paws Fun Run, a leisurely 1-mile Dog Jog, our outdoor Marketplace, which includes both Kids’ and Pets’ Fun Zones, and our 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 the Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center, 2519 Hermitage Road, on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The 5K begins at 10 a.m., Little Paws Fun Run at 11 a.m., and Dog Jog at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Block Party. 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 lifesaving programs at the Richmond SPCA, which saves around 4,000 pets annually through rescue, recovery, and adoption. We also assist thousands of pets and people through programs like our pet pantry, behavior helpline, Smoky’s Spay & Neuter Clinic, and our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital.

What if it rains?
Don’t even say it! The Dog Jog, 5K, and Block Party is a rain-or-shine event. Unfortunately, there is no alternate date for the Dog Jog or 5K due to pre-arranged road closures with the city of Richmond and police staffing. These measures ensure participant safety and minimize disruption to the community. 
 
As this is a vital fundraiser for the Richmond SPCA, refunds are not provided for those unable to attend. However, new in 2025, you can purchase race insurance during registration for added flexibility. 
 
If severe weather occurs, the Block Party will be rescheduled to Sunday, March 23, 2025. 

Will the Richmond SPCA’s retail shop and adoption center be open?
Yes. Our retail shop and our 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. Food trucks will attend our outdoor Marketplace.

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 18 (noon–6 p.m.) or Wednesday, March 19 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.). A final pickup opportunity will be Friday, March 21, 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 so that they don't also try to pick up their materials.

Where should I park?
Free parking is available at The Diamond’s Green and Pink lots, just two blocks from the Richmond SPCA. To reach the SPCA, exit the lot on Hermitage Road and turn right. Handicapped parking is available at the SPCA. Please contact Laurie Mavica at lmavica@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 a T-shirt and bag, arrive by 10:30 a.m. Allow 5-10 extra minutes to walk from the Green and Pink parking lots (corner of Hermitage and Robin Hood Roads), about 0.2 miles from the SPCA

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 allowed.
• 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?
Stollers/baby joggers are allowed in the Dog Jog but not in the 5K. If bringing a stroller, please have a friend or family member walk your dog.

I want to walk in the Dog Jog in a group with a dog who is already registered, or no dog. How much does that cost?
There is no charge to walk with a registered dog. 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 active Running Buddies™ volunteers (within the past six months). Active volunteers 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 bag, arrive by 9:15 a.m. Allow an extra 5 to ten minutes to walk from the parking area at The Diamond to the Richmond SPCA. Parking is 0.2 miles from the event.

Can my dog run the 5K?
Dogs aren’t allowed in the 5K to allow us to have a sanctioned 5K race. Consider walking your dog in the Dog Jog instead. If you’re participating in both events, please have a buddy there to watch your dog while you run the 5K.

What is the course like?
The 5K is flat, fast, competitive, 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, but 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. They will also be linked on our Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party website after the event.

Are awards given?
Yes. 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!

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

 

 

Questions about the Little Paws Fun Run

Who can participate?
Children ages 4–10.

Where does it start and end?
It starts and ends in front of the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital at the Richmond SPCA, in which kids will travel down Rhoadmiller Street and then make a U-turn at the corner of Durham Street. The course is half a mile.

When should we arrive?
Arrive by 10:15 a.m. and gather by 10:50 a.m. outside the Kids’ Fun Zone.

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 immediate after the Dog Jog around noon with bands, food trucks, beer, wine, 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, with a suggested $10 donation at the 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 21–23 using the RaceJoy app to track your progress.  

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 contact Janae Jones for offline registration at jjones@richmondspca.org or at 804-521-1309. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. on March 21. After that time, you may register in person on 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 Little Paws 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. A $10 donation is suggested at the entrance.

 
Questions about Fundraising and Donations

What’s the fundraising goal?
The goal is $215,000, raised through sponsorships, registrations, and donations.

Is there a required fundraising amount?
No, but $100 is recommended. Any amount makes a difference to homeless pets.

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 Janae Jones at jjones@richmondspca.org for assistance.

A donor accidentally gave their donation to the event’s donation page, when it was meant to be added to my fundraising total. How can I fix this?
Please contact Laurie Mavica at lmavica@richmondspca.org or 804-521-131 to reassign the gift to the correct person or team.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, donations are tax-deductible, but registration fees 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 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.

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 contact Laurie Mavica at lmavica@richmondspca.org or 804-521-1318 add you to an existing team.

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

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

Is there a minimum fundraising amount per team?
No, there is no required amount, but we encourage all team members to help fundraise.

Do all team members have to register for the same event?
No, members can choose different events to participate in. Participants can also select the Cat Nap option to fundraise if they are not able to attend the Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party.

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 Laurie Mavica, manager of events, at lmavica@richmondspca.org or call her at 804-521-1318. Thanks!