Entry to the Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk ranges from $12 to $50. The event takes place October 18, 2026, at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, New Jersey, with a 9:00 AM start time. Participants can choose between the 10K, 5K, or 25-yard Kiddie Dash, with all distances benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. The run/walk format accommodates both competitive runners and walkers of varying fitness levels. This is a straightforward local race option for endurance athletes training in the New Jersey area.
From the Race Organizer
Join Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter as we come together to raise funds for the Cupid Fund. The Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash is a major fundraiser for the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (FOSRAS) and a wag of a great time! The annual event draws animal lovers from all over to share the day with and in honor of four-legged friends. In addition to the official 5K and 10K events, the day includes vendors, food, and of course, a chance to meet FURiends. The Cupid Fund The Cupid Fund is a special fund dedicated to helping our shelter animals that require extraordinary medical treatment. The fund provides care for any animal needing more than the basics- spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping. All medical tests, blood work, specialist consults, surgery, treatment of illnesses, etc. are paid for by donations to FOSRAS Cupid Fund. Please visit our website at: https://www.fosras.com Race Details Friends, participants, and canines will run/walk the flat trails and picturesque backdrop of the flat, fast, USATF-NJ Certified Course at Duke Island Park. There will be Overall Winner Awards and Age Group Awards. Walk or run with your dog! Dogs can join the race starting at 9:20 AM and are required to start at the back of the starting group behind the runners . Registered dogs receive a doggy goody bag (while supplies last). Kiddie Dash Details: 4 years old and under- 25 yard dash 5-7 years old- 50 yard dash All kiddie dash participants will receive a finisher prize Participants registered by September 15th are guaranteed a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt. During registration, there is an option to forgo the t-shirt. Day of registration: 10K Run - $50 (human entry only) 5K Run/Walk- $40 + $5/dog Kids 10 and under $15 Kiddie Dash: $12 To ensure an enjoyable walk for 2 legged and 4 legged participants: Please refrain from using Flexi leads, only 6’ leads or less allowed All Dogs must be current on shots and no females in heat Please do not bring pets whose behavior may endanger others Participants must clean up after their pet and provide appropriate feces collection bags for such use. Certified 10K Course Link Coming soon Certified 5K Course Link: https://www.certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=NJ16520JHP Event Schedule 8:30 AM Registration Opens 9:10 AM Kiddie Dash 9:25 AM 5K &10K Run/Walk Start 10:15 AM 5K Awards Ceremony 10:40 AM 10K Award Ceremony 10:4 5 AM Doggy Costume Contest 9:00-12:00 PM Vendors open Vendors will be available until 12 PM Awards Overall 1st place 5k - Male & Female Overall 2nd place 5k - Male & Female Overall 3rd place 5k - Male & Female Age categories Top 3 5k finishers, male & female in various age categories. Race Bibs We use Chronotrack RFID systems for chip timing. All awards will be calculated based on chip time, not gun time. Sponsorships Available! Email heartandsole5knj@gmail.com to participate! Follow us! Facebook FOSRAS Instagram FOSRAS Website FOSRAS
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Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 2026 — Bridgewater, NJ
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 18.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bridgewater, NJ.
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 Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 2026 — Bridgewater, NJ?
Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 2026 — Bridgewater, NJ takes place on October 18, 2026. The race is held in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Where is Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 2026 — Bridgewater, NJ held?
Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 2026 — Bridgewater, NJ is held at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Where can I find hotels near Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K & 10K Run/Walk + Kiddie Dash- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 2026 — Bridgewater, NJ?
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