29 Dog friendly Races in and around Seattle

Do you love to run with your dog? If so, this list of dog freindly running races in the Seattle area is for you.

UPTATED: April 3, 2022

Note: There were originally over 40 dog friendly races on this list but the pandemic really changed things. Many of the races have been discontinued.

Dogs make great running partners. Even small dogs can run with you!

Every dog, no matter the size, should get an OK from their vet before they take up running and, just like people, they have to start slow and work their way up to prevent injury.

You might be surprised how far they can go though.

My miniature Dachshund Chester used to run regularly with me and he could go 5 – 7 miles, depending on the terrain and how fast we ran. 

Check out this little Doxie TRUMan. He runs marathons!

Dog Friendly Races near Seattle

If you’re new to running, or just getting back to it from an extended break, a 5k (3.1 miles) is a good goal.

Your dog can help you get there. They’ll help you get out the door when your motivation is low and they can help keep you going when you feel like stopping.

If you’re going to train for a race with your dog, why not run the race with them too?

I knew of a couple runs in the Seattle area that were dog friendly but I decided to see if I could find more. Five hours, and over 40 runs later, I poked my head out of the rabbit hole.

Whew! Researching dog-friendly runs felt like a marathon it itself! I had no idea there were so many races in Western Washington that allow dogs.

I thought I would save you the same trouble and list all of the races in and around Seattle that I found.

First, a few important notes and reminders…..

Safety Considerations When Running Races With Dogs

The rules regarding dogs running a race can change

All of the races listed here say they are dog friendly on their website or I have verified it myself. You should be safe just showing up at any of these events with your dog.

However, as with “dog friendly” restaurants, rules can change.

It’s best to double check as it gets closer to race day – the FAQ page is usually the best place to start.

When you race with your dog, it’s all about them

While running a race with your dog is a special bonding experience, it may also prohibit you from enjoying the event to it’s fullest.

Some events have a festival or beer garden after and dogs may or may not be allowed inside.

You may have to end the race early, or cancel all together, if your dog is not feeling well or doesn’t seem up to it.

You will need to stop more along the course to give your dog water, and potentially let them potty (which you will have to pick up and carry with you), so you may not want to bring your dog if you’re planning to hit a person time record.

Not all dogs do well in crowds

Some dog friendly races are very popular and crowded.

Don’t bring your dog if they are very fearful, not ok around crowds of stomping feet, or not ok with strangers petting them. Neither you nor your pup will have a good time.

Also be conscious of the size of your dog. While it may be possible to stay back from, or to the side of, the main crowd, small dogs can easily be trampled by people keeping their eye on the prize instead of the ground.

Etiquette When Running Races With Dogs

General requirements

While not every event listed these, other common rules for bringing your dog to races are: 

  • All dogs should be current on vaccinations
  • No female dogs in heat
  • No dogs under six months of age
  • No aggressive dogs
  • No more than two dogs per person.

Leash your dog

Every race listed here, and all but one that I researched, require dogs to be on a 6 ft leash, maximum.

Clean up after your dog

That’s right, if your dog poops on the course, be prepared to carry those poop bags to the next trash can.

Try to keep your dog out of the way

Most races I researched asked that runners with dogs begin toward the back of the starting-line crowd.

The rules didn’t say that you had to STAY in the back once you got running though.

Be prepared that you and your dog might be passing and weaving in and out of people most of the race.

Run or walk but find a race suited to what you want to do

Most of the events listed allow you the choice of running or walking the course.

However, I have seen some races that specify that you must walk if the event is listed as such or you must run the course if it’s listed as a “run”.

If the race says it’s a run, and you plan to walk the course, please check the rules beforehand to make sure that’s ok.

Note: runs that say you must run probably do allow for short walk breaks along the course if needed.

Downtown Seattle Space Needle and Mt. Rainier captured from Queen Anne.Dog Friendly 5k Races in the Seattle Area

Note: most have an option for a longer distance than 5k, which I noted below.

Magnuson Series – Winter Breeze Run 5k, 10k & 15k
February 12, 2022
Seattle, WA

A fun run along Lake Washington that offers a warm cup of hot cocoa at the finish line

Shamrock Run 5k
Temporarily postponed. Please check back later
Kirkland, WA

People and pets dress up for this run. Now you can even officially sign your dog up! Add them on to your registration for $15 and your furry friend will get their very own bandana and collapsible water bowl. In addition, the Kirkland Shamrock Run will donate $1 to the non-profit Canine Companions for Independence.

Birch Bay Road Race 5k & 15k
April 2, 2022
Birch Bay, WA

Run along the beautiful shores of Birch Bay at the Birch Bay Road Race! You’ll spot eagles and herons as you run or walk along their USATF certified courses. Strollers and dogs allowed on 5k and 15k only – not the 30k.

Magnuson Series – Earth Day 5k & 10k
April 16, 2022
Seattle, WA

This is for all you “tree huggers” out there!  Each finisher will have a tree planted in their name plus the option to take a native tree home if you like!

PAWS Walk 5k Run/Walk
April 16 – May 6 (virtual)
Magnuson Park, Seattle, WA

This a three-week walking and fundraising challenge from April 16 to May 6. Participants will have weekly wellness challenges to complete wherever and whenever they like to walk

Friendship Run 5k & 10k
April 24, 2022
Olympia, WA

Come support the Westside Cooperative Preschool by running a 1 mile fun run on the Ralph Munro Trail! The course is a 1 mile loop trail, paved but off the road. Perfect for people of all ages, strollers and well behaved dogs on leashes.

Walk/Run for the Animals
May 7,2022
Downtown Vancouver, WA

Enjoy a walk through Downtown Vancouver or run your own route any day the week before the event. Registration proceeds benefit the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.

PAWZ by the Sea 5k, 10k Run/Walk
(date for 2022 not yet announced)
Langley, WA

The event benefits Happy Hounds 4H Club and Good Cheer Pet Food Bank.

Blooming Color Run 5k
(Date for 2022 not announced yet, please check back later)
Anacortes, WA

In this 5k fun run, participants get “painted” with colored powder at multiple course locations. The photos show it being sprayed on people as they run by. Make sure your dog is prepared for that or avoid the paint if you can.

Seahawks 5k & 12k
DISCONTINUED
Renton, WA
There will be a crap-load of Seahawks costumes at this race. Costumes are not required though.

Fiesta 5k Ole!
(Date for 2022 not announced yet, please check back later)
Redmond, wa

There is a taco truck at the end. Whoo-hoo. There is a beer garden but the website says dogs are not allowed in that area. I’m not even 100% sure the taco trucks will be accessible to people with dogs. Bring a snack just in case so you don’t get hangry.

Free Them 5k
Date for 2022 not announced yet, please check back later
Shoreline, WA

You and your pooch can run for a really good cause. Every $48 you raise or donate will free a child in the world’s poorest places from the threat of trafficking, child marriage, forced labor, exploitation and abuse.

West Seattle 5k
2021 Race was canceled, date for 2022 not announced yet, please check back later
Seattle, WA

Enjoy a scenic waterfront run with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline. Course is flat and fast, starting and finishing at the Alki Beach House. Strollers and leashed dogs ok.

Petapalooza Dog Trot 3k, 5k & Fun Run
May 21, 2022
Auburn, WA

The event features an animal-related entertainment stage, flydog and agility demos, the Northwest Pet Contest, an agility area, a large variety of vendor booths, adoptions, give-a-ways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained. 

Big Back Yard 5k
2021 had a virtual and in-person option (Dates for 2022 haven’t been announced yet, please check back later)
Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA

Furry 5K
2021 was held virtually. (Dates for 2022 haven’t been announced yet, please check back later)
Seattle, WA

Magnuson Series – Seattle Solstice 5k, 10k & 15k
June 18, 2022
Seattle, WA

You and your pup can enjoy the nice weather and longer days by starting your weekend off with a run!

Millersylvania 50K/30K/10K
June 18, 2022
Olympia, WA

This race course is fun and relatively flat so it is a perfect race for beginners or those looking to set a PR(personal record). The trail is mostly single track through dense and mossy old growth forest with a little bit of pavement through the campground and a lakeside finish line. Each loop is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with about 300 feet of elevation gain per loop. 

Magnuson Series – Summer Spirit Kid Dash, 5k, 10k, 15k, & Duathlon
August 20, 2022
Seattle, WA

UW DAWG Dash 5k & 10k
(date for 2022 not announced yet)
Seattle, WA

Dawg Dashers all receive a Brooks Running long-sleeved tech shirt, their choice of a participant medal or limited-edition drawstring bag with their registration fee. Dogs receive a cool dogdanna!

Mustache Dash 5k
Possibly Discontinued or Virtual.
Magnuson Park, Seattle, WA

It’s only the biggest, baddest, hairiest running series on the planet. NBD. It’s a mustache-themed run that’s a little bit Freddie Mercury and a little bit Ron Swanson.

Magnuson Series – Thanksgiving Day 5k & 10k
November 24, 2022
Seattle, WA

K9 Candy Cane 5k Fun Run and Walk
(date for 2022 not announced yet)
Renton, WA

The annual K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk is an enjoyable way to spend time with your dog running or walking along the beautiful Cedar River trail.

Magnuson Series – Holiday Fun Run 5k, 10k & 15k
December 17, 2022
Seattle, WA

Go Beyond – Other Dog Friendly 5k Races Around the Pacific Northwest

Siuslaw Dunes 25k &50k
March 12, 2022
Florence, OR

Friendly, leashed and physically-capable dogs are welcome to run the 50K race with their responsible owners. Since the 25K rides shuttle buses, dogs are not allowed to run the 25K from the start. Have a friend/crew meet you with your dog at the first aid station (Dunes Overlook) and your dog is welcome to run the rest of the race with you from there.

Mighty Dog 5K & 10K race
April 9, 2022
Folsom Lake, CA

All Mighty Dog athletes and their Dogs will receive a Mighty Dog Finisher 5-liter Waterproof Gear Bag and Dog Bandana at the finish line.

Good Dog Dirty Dog 5K & 10K race
August 28, 2022
Folsom Lake, CA

Muddy Paws Fun Run/Walk 3K & 5K
(2022 on hold)
Woodburn, OR

This is an off road run through our tulip fields and around the farm benefiting Wigglin Boxer Rescue.

Columbia Gorge Half Marathon & Marathon
October 16, 2022
Hood River, OR

In the Dog Leg Half Marathon, both you and your running buddy will be chip timed and receive Finisher Medals when you cross the Finish Line! 

For more dog friendly races around the country, please visit Run That Mutt.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jessica. I’ve been studying the Dachshund breed since 2007, owned 3 of my own, and shared in the lives of thousands of others through their owner’s stories. When I’m not sharing what I know on this blog, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.

11 Comments

  1. What a great list. There is also the UW Tacoma and Bothell Dawg Dashes in the spring (May 21 and Ma7 respectively)

      1. Thanks William. I didn’t realize there was a Dawg Dash for different campuses. I’ll be sure to add them.

  2. Another race to add to your dog-friendly list is the Lake Union 10 K right here in Seattle on August 14

  3. The new dates for PAWSwalk 5K Run/5K Walk is Sunday, September 16 – Magnuson Park
    Run is at 9:00am and Walk starts at 10:00am.

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