Last updated March 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Do you have a competitive streak? Do you enjoy competing against others, or even against yourself?
The top 3 male and female finishers across our age cohorts for both the races (with and without dogs) receive medals! Additionally, the overall fastest male and female for both 5Ks (with and without dogs, for a total of 4 runners) win a $50 Fleet Feet gift card!
The 3 fastest dogs (small, medium, large) win prizes, too!
Sign up today to compete in your first real 5K, improve your time, push yourself further, or take one of our awards on May 3! You gotta be in it to win it, so sign up now!
Make a difference for the animals in our program AND win a VIP parking spot and recognition at the event! Every dollar raised helps to support the animals in our program. While some of the animals require medical care and surgery, all will incur routine costs such as food ($15-$40 depending on size), vaccinations ($15-20), and dewormer ($12 to over $50 for very large dogs). Additionally, all of our animals are spayed or neutered when adopted, with costs for cats and dogs ranging up to $159. Any funds you raise will allow us to help even more homeless dogs and cats in our community to find their forever home!
VIP parking spots and recognition at the event will be given to:
• the fundraiser who raises the most money*
• the fundraiser who raises the most gifts of at least $10 (number of donations from unique donors)*
• one individual fundraiser who raises at least $50, who will be chosen at random among all fundraisers*
Each fundraiser easily builds their own fundraising webpage (similar to GoFundMe) and can share the link with friends and family, asking them to support you as you become a hero for the animals–we even provide you with all the tools you need to make the ask, so don’t be shy, sign up today by clicking HERE!
NEW THIS YEAR: Facebook fundraisers are eligible** for this competition as well! To create a Facebook fundraiser for our animals, click HERE. It takes just a minute!
*All donations must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern on Friday, May 1, to count towards this competition.
**Fundraisers that begin February 10, 2020 or later are eligible.
Early Packet-Pickup
We offer two opportunities for early packet pick-up so you can skip the registration table at the event. Pick up your event t-shirt (if applicable), bib, and goody bag at Fleet Feet (on Wade Ave.) or Second Chance (bonus: visit with our adoptable kitties!). Dates and times will be announced closer to the event.
Directions and Parking
Racing for Rescues will take place at Dorothea Dix Park, at the intersection of Umstead and Blair, in Raleigh.
Please note that while the directions below point out two convenient parking lots closest to the race plaza in particular, you are welcome to park in any parking space you find on the campus that is not reserved or accessible, and all parking is free. If you plan to leave the event before all runners and walkers have completed the courses, we advise selecting a parking space that is not on the course itself so that you can safely depart (see the course maps on this page below).
Please be aware that some roads will be closed starting at 9:15 a.m. that morning for the safety of our runners, so we highly advise parking before 9:15!
Directions from Western Boulevard:
Directions from Centennial Parkway:
Directions from Lake Wheeler Road, traveling northeast (e.g., from I-40):
Directions from Lake Wheeler Road, traveling southwest (e.g., from Western Blvd.):
Course Maps
We’re using Dorothea Dix Park’s “standard 5K route” for the run with only slight modifications, so if you’ve participated in an event here before, you’re probably pretty familiar with the course. PLEASE NOTE: There are water stops on the course, but we strongly encourage participants to bring your own water bottles (and water for your dogs) so you have access to water at all times!
Click here to see the 5K run “in action” and click here to see the 1.5-mile walk.
5K Map
1.5-Mile Walk Map
8:30 – Check-in opens for all participants who registered in advance
8:30 – Check in opens for 5K runners who need to register that day
8:55 – Meet the adoptable dogs of Second Chance at the DJ booth
9:00 – Check in opens for walkers who need to register that day
9:15 – Roads begin closing (for your convenience, please park before this time)
9:30 – The 5K without dogs takes off
9:40 – The 5K with dogs takes off
10:15 – The 1.5-mile walk begins
10:30 – Race awards
11:00 – Fundraising awards and raffle prizes
11:30 – Event concludes
Food and Water
Complimentary food and and water will be available at this event. Participants can count on fresh fruit, cereal bars, and more on the plaza and at the finish line.
Additionally, and best of all, Chuy’s (North Hills) is bringing FREE scrumptious breakfast burritos straight to you! Make sure to stop by the Chuy’s tent to enjoy this generous donation. Thanks, Chuy’s!
Vendors
You can look forward to visiting dozens of vendor booths to learn more about local businesses that cater to runners, pet owners, and lots of other clientele! Check in for freebies, goods for sale, and more. (Vendors: email daveb@secondchancenc.org to request a vendor participation form.)
Note for Those with Dogs
Please plan to use short (4-6 feet) leashes. For safety reasons, please do NOT bring your dogs on retractable leashes. All dog owners must be able to provide proof of rabies vaccination if necessary (tag or certificate). As always, please plan to clean up after your dogs! You may also want to bring water for your dog so s/he has access to drinking and wetting paws for cooling at any time on the course (and not just at the water stops, where we provide dog bowls and pools). Dog bowls and pools will also be available on the plaza.
Hartsfield and Nash Insurance Agency, Inc.
