Registration for the Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K costs $45.00. Despite its name, the actual race distance on file is 1 mile, held on October 31, 2026, in Los Angeles at Crystal Springs Drive. The in-person event starts at 8:30 AM. If you're traveling to LA for Halloween weekend racing, note that this event also offers a virtual participation option, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts or you want to run from your hotel. This could work well as a lighter effort or fun group run during a race weekend, especially if you're staying in the area for other competitions.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for our 9th Doggie Dash - the Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K! Run (or walk) with your pup to help LA Frontrunners raise funds for The Rescue Train & Angel City Pit Bulls! All the details are below. Pets are such a vital part of so many of our lives, so come race your heart out or take a stroll, and help us support two organizations whose missions are to care for pets in need and to make sure those who are struggling are able to care for and have their pets in their lives. Location & Date The Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K takes place on Saturday, October 31, in Griffith Park. Doggie Dash 5K starts at 8:30. The start/finish area is the Park Center grassy area in Griffith Park. The 5K is one loop around the golf course and is trail/packed dirt and flat. Course & Race Info The start/finish area for Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K is in the Park Center grassy area in Griffith Park (diagonally across from the Griffith Park Visitor Center/Ranger Station). Look for us on the corner before the tennis courts. This is also the standard Saturday meet-up location for LA Frontrunners.The 5K is one loop around the golf course. If this is your first 5K, 5 kilometers = 3.1 miles. The path is packed dirt and flat. Start time is 8:30 AM - Pups & Human 5K: The main event is a 5K for pups (on leash) with their human. No solo humans allowed. Our race limit is 100 entries and there is no raceday registration. You can fly as fast as your pup pulls you or leisurely stroll the 5K around the golf course. There will be a water stop (for both you and your pup) about halfway through the 5K. Doggie Howl-o-ween Costume Contest Of course there's a costume contest! With prizes! Beneficiaries The Rescue Train : The Rescue Train is a unique, no-kill, animal-welfare organization based in Los Angeles. We are a small but mighty group of animal advocates, dedicated to making the world a kinder place for pets and the people who love them. Since our inception in 2004, we have been recognized for our hard work: we labor in the trenches of our city and county shelters, find solutions to pet overpopulation and fight for the rights of animals. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we have saved thousands of animals from suffering and euthanasia. Click HERE for therescuetrain.org. Angel City Pit Bulls : Angel City Pit Bulls takes in dogs (mainly from our local shelters) that fall under the generic term pit bull who demonstrate people-soft, responsive qualities and solid temperaments. Their adorableness and gushy love of people make them fantastic family dogs. We have a wide range of energy levels, so whether you are looking for a running partner or a potential “therapy dog”, we will typically have a dog that will fit the bill. Click HERE for angelcitypits.org. Pups & Human 5K Awards Overall awards to the top 3 by gender of the human: female/pup, male/pup, nb/pup. "Age Group" categories are determined by the weight of the pup . Awards will be given to the top 3 overall pups across all divisions. Division awards are top 3 in the following categories: TOY: up to 12 lbs., SMALL: 13 to 25 lbs., MEDIUM: 26 to 50 lbs., LARGE: 51 to 75 lbs., XL: 75+ lbs. Race Day Registration & Packet Pick-Up There is NO RACEDAY REGISTRATION. Online registration will close at sell-out. Packet pick up will be race morning starting at 7:30 AM. Past Results & Free Past Pix For past results/info, please click HERE . For free pix, please click HERE . About LA Frontrunners Los Angeles Frontrunners (501c3) is a running and walking club for members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to running, walking, more running (and lots of eating), LAFR raises funds and collects goods to donate to local charities. Past beneficiaries include; The Rescue Train, Westside Food Bank, SRLA, PAWS/LA, Life Worth Saving, Friends of Griffith Park, InsideOut Community Arts, Friends of Project 10, Angel City Pit Bulls, The Breakfast Club at St. Thomas the Apostle, and the Don Thompson Scholarship at the USC Film School.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 31.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Los Angeles, CA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K 2026 — Los Angeles, CA?
Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K 2026 — Los Angeles, CA takes place on October 31, 2026. The race is held in Los Angeles, California.
Where is Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K 2026 — Los Angeles, CA held?
Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K 2026 — Los Angeles, CA is held at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive in Los Angeles, California.
Where can I find hotels near Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K 2026 — Los Angeles, CA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Los Angeles. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
