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Calling all dog lovers! If the dog days of winter have you down, take on a new virtual 5K run or walk with a four-legged friend, or to support their favorite cause! $5 of each registration will be donated to Running for Rescues, a CT-based non-profit that assists shelters and rescue organizations nationwide and is funded primarily by runners! All 5K registrants receive TWO matching bandanas, one for you and one for a pup!

#HMFDogDays5K – Share moments from the challenge and visit the Facebook Event page for updates and to connect with other participants.

DETAILS

Register for the Dog Days of Winter virtual 5K to get moving with a dog OR to support a great canine cause solo. Choose one of two ways to run or walk in the Dog Days 5K:

  • Canicross 5K /// Run or walk with a dog
  • Dog Lovers 5K /// Run or walk solo without a dog

Run or walk anytime during the weekend of Friday, February 26, through Sunday, February 28.

Virtual Race Benefits:

  • 2 (Two) Commemorative Dog Days of Winter bandanas (suitable for humans and four-legged friends!)
  • Portion of each registration donated to Running For Rescues
  • Verified Results DETAILS
    • Results must be submitted through your haku account between 12:00 AM on Friday, 2/26 and 11:59 PM on Monday, 3/1). (Verification must be submitted to be eligible for awards)
    • Advanced wearable technology integrations
  • Top 3 Male and Female Overall Awards:
    • Canicross division
    • Dog Lovers division
  • Virtual Enhancements DETAILS
    • Downloadable Race Bib
    • Customizable Finisher Certificate
    • Custom Dog Days Playlist curated by the professionals at Powerstation Events

Registration fee is $30 for either option.

This event gives participants the flexibility to participate when and where it is convenient. As such, there are no refunds and no deferments for virtual events.

GIVEAWAYS

Whether walking or running the dog, a comfortable and reliable hands-free leash can help make it a more successful adventure! Fleet Feet West Hartford & Nathan Sports are teaming up with HMF to provide two opportunities for participants to win a top-of-the-line Nathan Sports K9 Series Runner’s Waistbelt with Leash ($45 value

  • Once registered for Dog Days, share your participant referral code with friends. For every time your referral code is used until February 25, you’ll earn yourself a chance to win a leash! DETAILS
  • Show off your pup! Start snapping cute photos of you and your dog training and submit to our photo contest during race weekend. More details coming soon!

CANICROSS?

What is Canicross? We’re so glad you asked! It is the sport of running with dogs. It originated as off-season training for the dogsled community and grew into a stand alone sport from there. Typically in canicross, the runner wears a waist belt, the dog wears a specifically designed harness, and the two are joined by an elastic line, that reduces the shock between the two. It’s a great twist on the sport we love!

Word of Warning: Dogs need to train too. Although they may be naturally more fit than their human counterparts, make sure to put in some practice runs and build up their endurance before taking on a 5K or longer distance with them.

LITTLE HOWLERS KIDS RUN

Kids are encouraged to get in on the action too! Run 1 Mile with or without your dog to get moving and celebrate canine friends!

Kids Run Benefits:

  • (1) Commemorative Dog Days of Winter bandana (mailed)
  • Virtual Enhancements DETAILS
    • Downloadable Race Bib
    • Customizable Finisher Certificate

Registration fee is $15 per kid (open to kids 12 and under).

Kids Run activities must be completed anytime between Friday, February 26th and Sunday, February 28th and must be submitted through their haku participant account by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 1st. DETAILS

SWAG & CUSTOM MERCHANDISE

All registered adult participants in both the Canicross & Dog Lover divisions will be mailed a custom bandana for themselves and one for their favorite four legged friend. Participants can pick up their bandanas from our friends at Fleet Feet, West Hartford during store hours 2/24 through 2/28. Those that don’t pick up will be mailed their bandanas after the challenge has concluded.

Medal Pickup Dates & Times:

Fleet Feet, West Hartford: 1003 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06107

  • Between Wednesday, February 24th and Sunday, February 28th
  • Anytime during normal operating hours, check Fleet Feet’s website for details.

RESULT SUBMISSION

Participants will be timed and measured using their own timing device. To make your race official, submit a run or walk through your haku participant account between 12:00 AM on Friday, February 26th and 11:59 PM on Monday, March 1st using one of the two following options:

  • OPTION 1 /// ADD FROM WEARABLE – Sync a compatible wearable device prior to your activity. Results will be uploaded to your haku results platform once your watch resyncs to your application. Once your device syncs, select the activity to submit for results.
    • Compatible with: Suunto / Polar / FitBit / Garmin / Under Armour Fitness
    • Don’t have a wearable device? No problem! Download the Free MapMyRun / MapMyWalk / MapMyFitness App on your smartphone and use it to track your pace, time, and distance. For complete details on how to use the app and track your activities, CLICK HERE
  • OPTION 2 /// ADD MANUALLY – Enter results manually. Feel free to submit an image for verification of your activity.

For details regarding activity tracking, wearable devices, timing, and results submission, CLICK HERE

For issues with haku participant accounts, device syncing or results data, please contact: support@hakusports.com

CHARITY

$5 from each registration will be donated to Running For Rescues, a CT-based nonprofit organization that assists shelters and rescue organizations nationwide by helping them to pay outstanding veterinary bills. Their main source of funding comes from runners all over the country that independently fundraise for the organization.

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

Be safe out there! Please adhere to social distancing recommendations and follow all public safety directives.

FAQS

What is a virtual race?

A virtual race is an alternative race experience that allows runners the freedom and flexibility to take part in a race from wherever they’d like. Simply register online, run or walk the race distance, then upload your finish time to compare it to others.

When do I participate and how does the race get timed?

You must run or walk your race between 12:00 AM on Friday, February 26th and 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 28th and must be submitted through your haku participant account by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 1st.

All race options will be timed and measured using your own timing device.

Where do I run?

Anywhere you want! Start right at your front door, jump on a treadmill (although that probably won’t work with your dog), head to your favorite bike trail, or create and explore a special new route to commemorate the race. Just be safe, adhere to social distancing recommendations, and follow all public safety directives.

ANNUAL PARTNER


OFFICIAL NUTRITION PARTNER