Howl-o-ween 5k - Dan Ryan Woods

Howl-o-ween 5K is all about Running (or Walking) and supporting amazing animal shelters! 

Join us on Sunday, October 26th, 2025 at 9:00 am CST for an exciting "Howl-o-ween Themed" event that features a beautiful paved route around Dan Ryan Forest Preserve and helps raise funds for K9's for Veterans NFP!  This race is a sure thing for a great doggy good time!  This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing.  Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com. 

5k Registration Includes:

• Short Sleeve T-Shirt 
• Finisher Medal
• Doggie Finisher Medallion!
• Chip Timed Race Bib
• Live Race Results
• Finish Line Treats For Humans and Dogs!

Can I Run with My Pet?  Absolutely!  We are running to support pets, pet lovers, and animal charities!  So you can run or walk with or without your pet!

Is registration required for Dogs?  No.  Dogs are welcome to participate in the 5k and are not required to sign up.

Unable to attend our Live Event.  Join us virtually.  Sign up here!

K9s For Veterans is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2016.  Central to our mission is to assist Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.  Service dogs and training are provided at no cost to Veterans.  The lifesaving efforts of K9s For Veterans are doubled by the exclusive use of rescue dogs from shelters—often kill shelters. We also realize that taking an animal into your life—even if it is a service dog—means additional costs the Veterans’ budget.  To address this reality, K9s For Veterans provides a stipend for dog food as well as basic veterinary care for the life of the service dog.  We would never want Veterans to have to choose between expenses to maintain their family’s budget or necessary expenses for their service dog.

Check Back after the on the Photos Page to look up your race photos by bib number!

Packet pickup will be race day only at the event starting 1 hour before race time. 

A hauntingly good time will be had by all on this wonderful course that is suitable for all runners and walkers including our 4 legged friends.

CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE COURSE MAP

Awards will be given in the following categories:

Overall Male/Female

Top 3 in Age Groups:

9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80 and over

Parking is available. Car pooling is recommended.

Can I Run with My Pet?  Absolutely!  We are running to support pets, pet lovers, and animal charities!  So you can run or walk with or without your LEASHED pet!

Can I participate virtually?     Yes, click here to register for our Virtual Run for the Dogs. Virtual Packets will begin mailing on or around October 20th.

Are strollers allowed? You are welcome to use a stroller for this event but it is not recommended due to uneven ground on the course and children in strollers can participate for free and do not need to register.

Is walking allowed? Yes, Absolutely!  We have as many walkers as we do runners (if not more!)

I still have questions, who do I contact?  If you have a question, someone else probably does too.  Email us using the "questions" button on this page, we would love to hear from you!  

Like Running?  Love Dogs?  Sign up for 2 or more events and score a 20% Discount on Registration!  Hint: select "no shirt" to get an additional $5 off per race!

Glenview - October 19th (click here)

Oak Forest - October 26th (click here)

Schaumburg - October 27th (click here)

Virtual - Any Time, Any Location (click here)

CLICK HERE FOR 2023 RESULTS