Paw Prints PetFest & 5K

The timed off road 5K course winds through a wooded trail and registrants have the option of either running or walking (map of 5K course). All race participants have the option to run/walk with their dog or cat in stroller. Dogs must be leashed. At the start of the race, all individual runners will go first followed by runners with dogs, then walkers with/without dog or cat in stroller.

Proceeds from this event will help fund advanced medical care for shelter animals, trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR), behavioral training, foster care, and our surrender diversion program. Everyone is encouraged to invite all animal lovers & race enthusiasts to participate!

9:00 am - Check-in and same day registration

10:00 am - 5K run/walk begins

11:00 am - Medals ceremony

Plan to stay for the day and enjoy all of the festival activities including food trucks, a band, Tito's Beverage Garden, a raffle basket tent, and much more!

All registrants will receive a standard cotton event shirt. Registrants who raise $100 (registration fee not included in this amount) will receive a performance-style, dri-fit event t-shirt. Get involved today by forming a team with your friends and family or registering as an individual. For more information about our mission, visit the Friends of BCAS website!

Companies are welcome to promote their brand to the community while supporting efforts to save homeless animals in Burlington County. Attendance at the Pet Fest & 5K is estimated at 3,000+ attendees. In addition to sponsoring the event and receiving accompanying benefits, companies are encouraged to register for the 5K Run/Walk and/or volunteer. Applications/payment must be received by August 31, 2026.

Companies with 5 or more employees are considered a sponsor and should complete the SPONSORSHIP FORM. Custom sponsorships are also available by contacting Ann Rapisarda at annrap@friendsofbcas.org.

Companies with less than 5 employees are considered a vendor and should complete the VENDOR APPLICATION (coming soon). A 10x10 space will be provided. Table, tent and chairs are vendor's responsibility. For questions about becoming a vendor, email Laura Seplaki at lseplaki@friendsofbcas.org.

On behalf of Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter and our Signature Sponsor Davis Honda - welcome to our 10th annual Paw Prints Pet Fest & 5K Run/Walk! 

To our returning participants, thank you for your commitment to raising awareness and funds for homeless animals while enjoying the beautiful wooded 5K trail of Smithville Park.  To our new "friends", we are thrilled to have you join us! Get ready for a great day complete with lots of family and pet-friendly activities post-race.

Your support will help our organization fund advanced medical care, trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR), foster programs, surrender diversion program, and more initiatives directed at helping animals find a loving home with our goal of reaching our no-kill vision.

All Overall Awards will be scored on gun time.

• 5K run (adult), 5K run (youth)
• Female overall, male overall
• Female overall w/ pet, male overall w/pet
  

All Age Group Awards will be scored on chip time.

• Male (1-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-99)
• Female  (1-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-99)

The latest timing technology is provided by DQ Events. The official results of your placement will not be available until all participants have completed the course. Results will be posted at: DQ Events and on RunSignUp as soon as they are available.

Individuals

• The Paw Print - Raise $100+ to receive a Paw Prints performance style dri-fit t-shirt

• The VIP - Raise $250+ to receive a Paw Prints performance style dri-fit t-shirt, a special gift (TBD), (2) tickets to beer garden and recognition during opening ceremony.

• Top Fundraising Prizes

  • 1st place: gift of $100 value

  • 2nd place: gift of $50 value

  • 3rd place: gift of $25 value

Teams

• The Most Valuable Players -  Raise $1,000+ for verbal recognition during Opening Ceremony

Big Dog 50/50 Drawing

• Tickets are $5 each

• You do NOT have to be present to win

• The winning ticket will be drawn at 2:30pm on Saturday, October 10, 2026

• Tickets will be sold from 10 am to 2 pm race day on site

Agility Course

Dog Training Demonstrations

Pet Costume Contest & Parade

• Pet Costume Contest will begin at 1:00pm at the pathway in front of the park administration buildings. Sign up at the Information Tent located by the stage.

• Prizes will be given out for the following costume categories: Most Daring, Scariest, Cutest, Funniest, Best Overall.

• If you would like to pre-register to be sure you get a spot, please email Cindy at sindeelou71@gmail.com.

Kids Zone

• Inflatable Games

• Face Painting

• Scavenger Hunt

• Balloon Artist

• Costumed Characters

• Arts and Crafts

• Pumpkin Painting (courtesy of Specca Farms)

Tito's Handmade Vodka Beverage/Brewery Garden

80s Crush Band

Food Trucks

Raffle Basket Tent

Vendors

Dog and Cat Adoption Zones

You Look 'Petastic' Photo Zone