Get ready to hoof it with your favorite canine companion at the UMN Hoof N Woof 5K, returning to the beautiful St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This unique 5K invites runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and famously welcomes leashed pets to join in the fun. It's more than just a race; it's a vibrant community event organized by the University of Minnesota's Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) chapter, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting Healing Hearts Rescue, a non-profit committed to finding loving homes for animals in need.
The 5K route, starting promptly at 8:30 AM outside the College of Veterinary Medicine building on Fitch Avenue, offers a moderately challenging experience. Runners can expect a course featuring a short, steep uphill at the start, followed by a brief downhill, and then a prolonged, gradual ascent. The second mile provides a welcome prolonged downhill, but be prepared for a steeper uphill as you approach the third mile. The course primarily uses sidewalks with monitored crossings, providing a "fun run atmosphere" for participants and their furry friends. Typical race day conditions in April offer comfortable temperatures, with highs around 52°F and lows around 34°F, and only a 14% chance of precipitation.
After crossing the finish line, celebrate your accomplishment with tasty snacks, cool beverages, and even a complimentary coffee and bagel. The festivities continue with an awards ceremony recognizing top finishers among both human and animal participants. Don't miss the lively post-race gathering, featuring booths from sponsors and local pet businesses. Ensure you register before March 20th to guarantee a free T-shirt, and the first 250 participants will also receive a goodie bag. Packet pick-up begins at 7:15 AM on race day, with convenient parking available in the Gortner Avenue Parking Garage. Join fellow animal lovers for a rewarding run that makes a tangible difference in the lives of pets.
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