Paws In the Park

The Paws in the Park Petwalk will benefit Charleston Animal Society's medical fund!

Even though it may be wet and cold, aren't our animals worth it?!

The petwalk will take you on a small 1/4-mile loop around beautiful Riverfront Park with your dog, CLICK HERE FOR MAP.

The 5k run will take you from the park and then out onto the historic navy base and back into the park!  (You can walk the entire 5k if you want, just get in line in the correct order -- see below).  CLICK HERE FOR RUN MAP. Everything you need to know is here below.

PACKET / BIB PICK-UP

• When: Friday, November 15th
• Where: Fleet Feet Mount Pleasant, 881 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant SC 29464
• Time:  11:00AM – 6:00PM      

DAY OF EVENT DETAILS

• When: Saturday, November 16th
• Where: Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston
• Time:  5k Run – 9:00AM      5K with dogs – 9:10AM     Walk – 9:15AM

*Everyone must be in the park and ready to start at 8:45AM

PARKING

Parking will be available on-site, please follow signage. The lots closest to the park are reserved for handicapped and vendor parking.  Please allow yourself 10 to 15 minutes to walk from the lot. The lot is located on the corner of Shipbuilding Way & North Hobson Ave. We will be walking/ running rain or shine so make sure you prepare for both.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

There will be signage for 3 groups:

• 5k runners
• 5k with dogs
• Walkers
• Please fall into line in the designated area for your group.

If you prefer to walk the whole 5k you are able to do that too. Just line up with the 5k or 5k with dogs group but, please stay to the back of the group so the runners can start out first. 

If you have friends & family who have not yet signed up yet, they can register the morning of.  

THE WALK ROUTE

The walk route is a shorter loop that is within the park and it will be marked by PAW PRINT signage or paws on the ground depending on weather. You will be going through grass and a gravel lot. If it has been raining please come prepared for your shoes to get wet or wear boots.  

• 1 lap = ¼ mile
• 2 laps = 1/2 mile
• 3 laps = ¾ mile
• 4 laps = 1 mile

If you prefer to walk the whole 5k you are able to do so. Just line up with the 5k or 5k with dogs group but, please stay to the back of the group so the runners can start out first. 

The run route will take you from the park through the beautiful, historic navy base and then back to the park. Click here to see map.

COURSE SAFETY: IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR DOG

To keep all participants (both people and dogs) safe during the event, there will be Behavior Staff throughout the park to assist with any concerns or issues that may arise. The following information will help ensure that you and your dog are set up for success, and have a positive and enjoyable experience at Paws in the Park.

Please be aware of your dog’s body language, as well as other dogs around you. Many dogs may not be used to being in a setting with large crowds of both people and other dogs. Signs indicating that a dog is stressed/frustrated and may react negatively can include, but is not limited to:

• crouching body, leaning away, or trying to flee/exit
• hyper-focus with ears forward and body weight forward, difficult to distract or get its attention
• growling/snarling, possibly with teeth exposed
• leash reactive (repetitive barking/growling when looking at or approaching another dog)
• If your dog seems to be stressed during the event, consider moving away from the other dogs/crowd to give them space to calm down. The dog may feel more comfortable if you stagger your walk to be further back from the crowd.
• If dogs are reacting within close proximity of each other (not making contact), lead dogs away by leash from each other in opposite directions and keep a significant amount of distance between them.
• Should an altercation between dogs occur (unable to lead away – making contact bites, grabbing/holding onto another dog), please refrain from reaching in to seperate. Behavior Staff will step in to safely and efficiently resolve the issue.

DOG RULES

• 5k with dogs will begin 10 minutes after standard 5k
• ABSOLUTELY NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times
• Dogs are welcome as long as they are friendly to other dogs and people
• Clean up after your pet
• Water bowls will be placed throughout the race route and festival grounds
• Veterinary Specialty Care will have a pet first aid table onsite located directly across the path from the large beer trailer

5K AWARDS

Awards will be distributed after everyone has finished for: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the men’s and women’s division. This will take place to the right of the small stage on the festival side of the park.

FESTIVAL AFTER THE RACE

The fun doesn’t stop when the walk & run are over! A FREE FESTIVAL will begin immediately after the walk/ race. This event is open to the public. Have friends who don’t want to walk/ run? Have them join us from 11 to 2!

MUSIC

• Latin Groove with DJ Luigi
• Hibachi Heroes
• Roti Salley

FOOD TRUCKS

• Area 51
• Semilla
• Flight CHS
• The Pita Stroller
• Kona Ice

OTHER FOOD

• OYSTERS
• BEER/ WINE / TITO’s/ LARCENY BOURBON

MORE FUN!

• Music
• Vendors
• Pet Contests & so much more!

Every dollar raised goes to help the medical fund! Make a day of it and help save even more lives!

COSTUMES / CONTESTS

Teams, individuals and pets can dress in costumes if you’d like. We will have dog contests after the race during our free festival that will go until 2:00PM.

Pets can compete in different divisions including: There will be a sign up table to register. Contests will begin around 12:45. Please listen for announcements.

• Dog & Owner Look a Like
• Wiggliest Tail
• Best Costume
• Ugliest Dog & Cutest Dog