Move Your Mutt 5k Run/Walk

Bring the whole family and join us for the Move Your Mutt 5k Run/Walk! This event raises money for the Eaton County Dog Program.  This program supports the kids involved in the Dog Project for the Eaton County Fair.  We supply the opportunity for the kids to explore what kind of dog fits into their family’s lifestyle, and enables them to become an excellent trainer and caretaker of their dog.  Dogs are welcome at this event. There will be a maximum of 2 dogs per registrant, and they must be on a leash. The event will start and end at the Eaton County Fairgrounds, and includes the beautiful Bennet Park.  

The event will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026. The 5k run/walk begins at 9:00am, check-in starts at 7:30am.  

Registration Fee: $25 until April 12th. $30 from April 13th to April 26th. $35 race week - April 27th to May 2nd.   All registrations must take place online. 

T-shirts are provided for all paid participants registered by April 19th, 2026.  Adult (S-2XL) and youth (S-XL) sizes will be available.

Early packet pickup will take place at the Eaton County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 2nd from 5pm-7pm. Race day packet pickup will begin at 7:30 am on race day morning. 

Course: The course is mixed terrain. There will be dirt, grass, and paved sections. See course map section at the top of the page

Awards: Overall male and female winners will receive a $25 Playmakers gift card. Medals for the top three finishers in these categories for the 5K: 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and up.

Results will be available live immediately following the event and posted on this website.

All proceeds from this event are used to maintain equipment, hold classes to educate the kids, and host an annual show to allow the kids and dogs to demonstrate everything they have learned. Thank you for supporting the kids of the Eaton County Dog Program!!   

The race will be professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. 

The course is mixed terrain. There will be dirt, grass, and paved sections. Strollers are welcome, keep in mind the section on the grass will require a bit more 'power' to push the stroller thru. 

FAQ - You have questions, we have answers. If anything is not answered below please contact by using the contact form on the main race page.

Where do the proceeds go? Proceeds from this event are used to maintain equipment, hold classes to educate the kids, and host an annual show to allow the kids and dogs to demonstrate everything they have learned. Thank you for supporting the kids of the Eaton County Dog Program!!  

Where do I park? There is plenty of parking at the race location Eaton County Fairgrounds, 1025 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813

Is there a Packet Pick Up? Early packet pick up will take place at the Eaton County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 2nd from 5pm-7pm. Packet pick up on race day begins at 7:30 am at the race start location.

Can I pick up my family or friend’s Packet at Packet Pick Up? Yes.

What are the T-shirt sizes? Your entry fee includes a T-Shirt with registrations thru Sunday, April 19th Adult (S-2XL) and youth (S-XL) sizes will be available. 

Are baby joggers and strollers allowed? Yes. We do ask that you line up in the back at the start. Please keep in mind that a short section of the course is on grass and it may require a bit more 'power' to push the stroller thru that section. 

What is the course like? The course is mixed terrain. There will be dirt, grass, and paved sections. A course map can be found HERE. 

Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, we are allowing dogs at this race. No more than 2 per registrant. They MUST be leashed and please provide your own waste collection bags. We ask that you start at the back of the pack for the run/walk. 

Can I wear headphones? Sure, there's nothing like some good tunes while you run. We just ask that you can still hear and are aware of your surroundings.

This is my first 5k run/walk, what should I expect?  Congrats, we're excited to have you! We recommend picking up your packet the day before at Early Packet Pickup, if you are unable no worries, we'll have packet pickup the morning of the race. Plan on arriving on race day morning about 1 hour prior to the start to park, get your shirt and bib #, and get warmed up. Wear the bib (your race number) on the outermost layer on the front of your chest, we provide safety pins to pin it to your shirt. Pin in all four corners so the number doesn't flap when you're running/walking. Prior to the race the announcer will call everyone up to the start line. The speedy racers will line up at the front, everyone else lines up behind them. If you are running with a stroller or dog(s) we ask that you line up at the back.  The race will start and off you go! There are plenty of other participants and course support to guide you along the way.  Refreshments will be available after the finish. We'll text you your results, and we'll also have a QR code for you to scan to pull up your results. Lastly and most importantly HAVE FUN! You'll love the energy from the race!

Are there refunds? This event will be held rain or shine, there are no refunds for this event. As you can imagine there is a lot of planning that goes into an event and t-shirts, awards, refreshments, etc. all have to be ordered ahead of time. If the race is cancelled for any reason we will be unable to offer refunds, or if your plans change and you already signed up we are unable to offer refunds. 

Shirts are provided for all paid participants registered by April 19th, 2026. Adult (S-2XL) and youth (S-XL) sizes will be available. 

Overall Female winner will receive a trophy. 

Overall Male winner will receive a trophy.