BUCKS COUNTY SPCA BLACK CAT 5K & 1 MILE FUN WALK

1)    Who can enter the race/walk?

The Black Cat 5K is a welcoming inclusive event open to animal-lovers everywhere. Join us for the in-person event held the last Saturday in October each year, or virtually from your favorite place to run or walk. 

2)   Is the 5K dog-friendly?

While we LOVE dogs, they are not able to run with you on the 5K course. Dogs are welcome on the 1 Mile Fun Walk and costumes are encouraged!

3)    Are awards given for the fastest times?

Awards are presented to the top finishers in the in-person 5K race only. The awards are mini Picaso-like paintings created by a rambunctious litter of kittens at the Bucks County SPCA. These unique pieces of artwork will serve as a colorful reminder of the animals you helped.

• First place overall male and female runners will receive gift cards and an award plaque with a unique kitten-created work of art
• Kitten-created miniature paintings will be presented to the top three male and female runners by age group:14 and under; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over.

While the virtual 5K is not competitive, you can enter your final time on the race website by visiting the RESULTS tab (optional). You can also download a Finisher's Certificate and share photos from your run or walk.

4)    Do I have to wait to receive my t-shirt to do the event if I'm participating virtually?

No. The live race takes place on the last Saturday in October. Virtual participants can complete the race/walk any day or any time they choose up until the end of that Saturday. Shirts are shipped to eligible participants and we will do our best to get t-shirts to participants as quickly as possible, but we cannot guarantee delivery dates.

5)  I’d like to do the race, but don’t need a t-shirt. How do I let someone know?

Kindly notify us through info@buckscountyspca.org and we’ll take care of it.

6) How can my business sponsor the Black Cat 5K?

Contact Sue at 215-794-7425 x118 or smorrison@buckcountyspca.org

7) How does the Black Cat 5K help animals?

All proceeds from the run and walk support the Bucks County SPCA's work to rescue and rehome animals in need. You can do even more good for animals by setting up an Individual Fundraiser. Form a Team Fundraiser with your friends, family or co-workers. You can personalize your team details and easily share them on Facebook to help you meet your fundraising goal.

8)   How can I make a donation?

If you prefer not to form a fundraiser but you want to make a donation to the Bucks County SPCA, use the DONATE button at the top of the page. On behalf of the animals, thank you!

The Bucks County SPCA Mission: 

The Bucks County SPCA assists animals in need and prevents suffering through rescue, rehoming, cruelty investigation and prosecution, and community outreach. We operate two open-admission, no-time-limit shelters in Lahaska and Quakertown. In addition to pet adoptions and re-homing assistance, we provide dog and kitten training classes, a free pet behavior helpline, and pet assistance services aimed at helping people keep their pets at home. Founded in 1912, the Bucks County SPCA is an independent community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit whose work is made possible by people like you. We are not a part of, nor do we receive funding from, the ASPCA, PSPCA or other state or national humane organizations. 

How the Black Cat 5K began

The Black Cat's founder and race-director Heidi Laubach was inspired by her beloved black cat Pumpkin when she created the event in 2009. The economic recession had left her without work and she chose to devote her unexpected free time to helping animals. Heidi recruited friends and neighbors to help run the event and donated the proceeds to the Bucks County SPCA. The SPCA staff and volunteers now help run the event which has become a perennial favorite in the community. We're grateful to the many long-time participants who join us each year and we gladly to welcome new comers. You'll enjoy a wonderful sense of comradery and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping give animals a second chance.