FAQs
REGISTRATION
Q: Do I have to make a reservation or can I walk-up to this event?
A: Advanced reservations will be required for the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run. No walk-up reservations will be available.
Q: Will there be early registration discounts?
A: When you register early, you can really save!
$35 - until September 20
$40 - September 21 to October 4
$45 - October 5 to October 11
Q: Can my child participate? What are your age limits?
A: Yes, absolutely, we love having your kiddos join us. There is no age limit for any distance, that’s entirely up to you. Anyone with shoes on the route, regardless of age, will be required to register online for an event. Children who will be participating on foot must be registered, but there’s no need to register kiddos out for a ride in their stroller. Children under 5 must be accompanied on the course.
Q: Will it be crowded? Will you be limiting capacity?
A: The race will be limited to 250 runners total, not including dog participants. As this is our first year hosting a race at Purina Farms, we will continue to perfect capacity.
Q: Do you offer virtual racing?
A: Not this year, but something that we will consider adding for future events!
Q: If I am unable to race, may I give my entry to a friend or family member?
A: Yes! You can transfer your registration to a family member or a friend. Transfers will only be accepted up to 1-week pre-race day. We cannot guarantee transfers the week of the event. If you have questions about transferring your registration please reach out to us at purinafarms@nestle.purina.com
Q: If I’m injured, can I get a refund?
A: So sorry, no. You can transfer your registration to a family member or a friend. Transfers will only be accepted up to 1-week pre-race day. We cannot guarantee transfers the week of the event. If you have questions about transferring your registration please reach out to us at purinafarms@nestle.purina.com
Q: May non-binary and transgender athletes compete?
A: Definitely! If you identify as non-binary, please select the non-binary option when registering.
Q: What am I getting with my registration fee?
A: Your registration fee gets you swag including a race t-shirt, bandana, participation ribbon, dog treats, and so much more! You'll also get access to the TAILgate After Party, a free drink voucher for all participants 21+, along with $5 of your registration being donated straight to Red Rover in support of the Purple Leash Project. Woohoo!
Q: How does my participation support the Purple Leash Project?
A: Great question! $5 of each runner's registration will be donated straight to Red Rover in support of the Purple Leash Project. Red Rover's missions is to bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education.
PACKET PICK-UP
A: Can I pick up my packet before race day?
Q: Race packets may be picked up at Purina Farms Visitor Center on October 3-6 and October 10-11, 9:30am to 3:30pm. Packets may also be picked up on race day, October 12. If you plan on picking up packets day of, we recommend arriving no later than 3:15PM.
A: Can someone else pick up my packet at early packet pick-up?
Q: Yes! As long as you registered online and you’ve already agreed to the waiver, the person picking up just needs your name, so by all means… save some gas and have one person pick up for your whole group!
DOGS
Q: Can I race with my dog?
A: Absolutely! We love our 4-legged runners! All participating dogs must be current on age appropriate vaccinations and have a current rabies identification tag number. Only one dog is allowed per runner (16+ years old). All dogs entering the 5K and 1-mile should have prior experience running this distance with their owner. All dogs must be on a leash of 6 ft. or less. Retractable/Adjustable leashes are NOT allowed.
Q: Can I use a retractable leash?
A: No—due to the crowds and safety issues, we do not allow retractable leashes.
Q: Can I bring my ferret/bird/guinea pig/rabbit/pony/skunk?
A: This event is for dogs only.
Q: I don’t have my rabies tag on my dogs collar, could I bring a copy of their rabies certificate?
A: Yes! If you do not have a rabies tag on your dog’s collar, please bring a copy of your rabies certificate.
RACE DAY
Q: What will the course be like?
A: The marked course will traverse 1-mile throughout the paved roads at Purina Farms. The 5K race will run the route three times. Expect an elevation change of around 50ft throughout the course. Water stations for humans and dogs will be available on the route.
Q: Can I race with a stroller?
A: Absolutely, all are welcome! We just ask that you start at the back of the pack to prevent blocking the course for your fellow athletes and make sure to take a look at the event page for trail surface materials to ensure they are compatible with your stroller.
Q: Can I walk the course?
A: You betcha. Beginners and veterans alike are welcome! Please feel free to participate as competitively as you feel comfortable.
Q: Can I wear headphones?
A: Yes, however, for your safety, please be sure to keep the volume at a level where you can still hear announcements and course instructions.
Q: Do I need to wear my race bib?
A: Yes! Please wear the number provided so it is visible from the front at all times. This will not only help us in a case of emergency, it will also assist our timers, allowing for more accurate results. You also need to properly wear it so your timing chip works, else we won’t have a time for you!
Q: Is there a limit to when I start?
A: YES. First off, make sure to look at the schedule for the event for when packet pickup/registration opens and closes. We must close it in advance for timing. We need to know when and where athletes will be on the course. If you arrive after these cutoffs, we will give you your race SWAG but you will not be allowed to run the course as a timed athlete.
Q: Is there a time limit for me to finish?
A: We do our best to allow plenty of time and will always have a course sweep so we can support those who might fall a bit behind the pack and will not cut you off for 5K or 1-mile.
Q: Can spectators come?
A: Yes! Spectators are welcome. Spectators will not be allowed on the race path, all shoes on the race path must come with a pre-registration. Due to parking availability, please keep spectators limited to immediate family and please carpool.
Q: Will there be food and beverage?
A: Yes! We will have food and beverage available on site. These items will cost an additional fee and are not included in registration. All registered runners 21+ will receive one complimentary drink ticket!
Q: Will the event be cancelled in case of inclement weather?
A: The event is taking place rain or shine. Only in the event of lightning or severe threatening weather (if outdoor event) will the event be cancelled. If this is the case, then all participants will: 1) Be notified in advance via email 2) View a cancellation notice that appears on the Purina Farms Facebook event page and 3) Receive a full refund. In all other cases, no refund will be given, but the tickets are transferable.
