Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run
When is Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run?
Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026 in Gray Summit, MO.
What distances does Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run offer?
Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run offers 4 events: 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk (with your dog!), 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk (humans only), 5K Race (with your dog!), 5K Race (humans only).
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk (with your dog!) | 1.0 mi | $45.00 | Register |
| 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk (humans only) | 1.0 mi | $45.00 | Register |
| 5K Race (with your dog!) | 5.0 km | $45.00 | Register |
| 5K Race (humans only) | 5.0 km | $45.00 | Register |
How much does Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run cost?
Registration for Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run starts at $35.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run held?
Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run is held in Gray Summit, MO at 500 William Danforth Way.
About Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run
Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run. Compete for top dog in our 5K race or take it easy in our 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged!
💜 The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care. Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations.
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time: 9AM - Noon (registration opens at 8AM, races begin at 9AM)
Location: Purina Farms, 500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit, MO 63039
Route: the 5K and 1-mile route will traverse over paved roads with potential uneven surfaces. Expect an elevation change of around 50ft throughout the course. Water stations for humans and dogs will be available on the route.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
• 5K Race - The competition is on! Humans, and their dogs, can sign up for our competitive 5K race (with chipped timing bibs) to see who will win top dog! Prizes will be awarded to the top three times in each heat for the 5K race.
• Fun Run & Walk - Looking for something more low-key? We've got you! Our 1-mile Fun Run & Walk is perfect for all experience levels and ages for humans and dogs.
• TAILgate After Party - Sits, stay, and snack! We'll have a winner's podium, music, food and drinks for both humans and pets, yard games, and lots of FUN! Have a drink on us, each registered runner over the age of 21 will receive one free drink ticket.
• Giveaways - each registered human participant will receive an event t-shirt, treats, Purple Leash Project swag, and so much more!
AWARDS
The first three winners in both male and female (humans and canines) 5K heats will receive awards! Winners will be presented after all races conclude at the TAILgate After Party.
HUMAN HEATS
Under 18, top three male & female
18-39, top three male & female
40+, top three male & female
DOG HEATS
Top three male runners with a dog
Top three female runners with a dog
FUN HEATS
Dog/human best style
Dog/human look-a-like
COST
$35 - through September 20
$40 - September 21 to October 4
$45 - October 5 to October 10
Advanced registration is required, onsite registration will NOT be available for this event.
PACKET PICKUP
Each human will receive a chipped bib, and each pooch will receive a bib for their leash! The athlete will be timed, but both human and dog will be listed in the results (ex. Brandon and Dash)!
Packet pickup will be available at the following times & locations:
Thursday, October 8 | 12-6PM @ Big River Running - 13969 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011
Sunday, October 11 | 8AM @ Purina Farms (please plan on arriving no later than 8:30AM)
PARTICIPATING DOGS: here are a few things you need to know before registering:
• All dogs must be at least 4 months old, up to date on all of their vaccination, and have a current rabies identification tag number
• Only one dog allowed per runner, runner must be 16+ years old
• All dogs entering the 5K and 1-mile should have prior experience running this distance with their owner
• The person participating with the dog will be responsible for the conduct of the animal at ALL times during the event (parking lot, start line, course, finish line, and after party area)
• All dogs must be on a leash of 6 ft. or less. Retractable/Adjustable leashes are NOT allowed
• Spiked collars are NOT allowed
• No matter where you are at the start line, on the course, or at the finish, you will be responsible for cleaning up any mess your pet leaves behind
• Failure to comply with the rules listed above will result in expulsion from the event without refund
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company will donate $5.00 to RedRover for each Purina Farms 5K Fun Run registration received on https://runsignup.com/ between 8/11/26-10/11/26. For more information on RedRover, visit https://redrover.org.
Dogs are welcome! No retractable leashes. Dogs must be up to date on vaccination, have a visible rabies ID tag, be well socialized and free of health concerns. Puppies must be at least 4 months old with age-appropriate vaccinations to attend. View our complete guidelines and visiting pet policy at purinafarms.com
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 - through September 20
$40 - September 21 to October 4
$45 - October 5 to October 10
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, 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.
Q: Will the Purina Farms Visitor Center be open?
A: The Purina Farms Visitor Center is still temporarily closed and will not be open during the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run. We apologize for this inconvenience.
PACKET PICK-UP
A: Can I pick up my packet before race day?
Q: Packet pickup will be available at the following times & locations:
Thursday, October 8 | 12-6PM @ Big River Running - 13969 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011
Sunday, October 11 | 8AM @ Purina Farms (please plan on arriving no later than 8:30AM)
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 concerns, 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 to purchase on site. These items will cost an additional fee and are not included in registration. All registered runners 21+ will receive one complimentary alcoholic drink ticket and all participants under 21 will receive a regular 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.
Q: My t-shirt doesn't quite fit, could I switch it out for a different one?
A: Definitely! T-shirts are first-come-first-serve. Please visit the check-in table the day of race day. Depending on availability, we'll allow t-shirt sizes to be switched just before race start after the majority of registrants are checked in.