INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY VIRTUAL RACE 2026

Every Mile Is Better With a Dog By Your Side

Celebrate the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy of our four-legged best friends with the International Dog Day Virtual Race!

Whether you're running with an energetic pup, enjoying a leisurely walk with your senior dog, celebrating a rescue dog, honoring a beloved pet who crossed the Rainbow Bridge, or simply looking for a fun virtual 5K for dog lovers, this race is for you.

Choose from a 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon virtual race, complete your miles anywhere you choose, and earn a collectible International Dog Day finisher medal.

Complete your challenge during 2026!

Grab the leash. Lace up your shoes. Make some memories together.

CHOOSE YOUR DISTANCE

1 Mile • 5K • 10K • Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) • Marathon (26.2 Miles)

🐶 Perfect for dog lovers, dog moms, dog dads, and rescue families
🏅 Collectible International Dog Day finisher medal
🎽 Race bib included
🏃 Run, walk, jog, or hike
🐾 Complete your miles with your dog—or dedicate them to a special dog
📍 Participate anywhere
📅 Complete anytime during 2026
❤️ At least 15% of every registration donated to Freedom Service Dogs of America
🌎 Join a community that has helped raise more than $1 million for charities and nonprofit organizations

A VIRTUAL RACE FOR DOG LOVERS

Dogs have a way of making ordinary walks feel like adventures.

They encourage us to get outside.

They remind us to enjoy the little things.

And somehow, they're always excited to see us—even if we've only been gone for five minutes.

The International Dog Day Virtual Race celebrates that incredible bond.

Walk a mile with your best friend.

Take on a virtual 5K together.

Challenge yourself to a 10K.

Or complete a half marathon or marathon in honor of a dog who has made your life better.

Your dog doesn't have to participate for you to join. Dedicate your miles to your current pup, a rescue dog, a service dog, or a beloved companion you still carry in your heart.

Your race. Your pace. Your best friend.

EARN YOUR INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY FINISHER MEDAL

Complete your challenge and celebrate with your collectible International Dog Day finisher medal.

Your registration includes:

• International Dog Day finisher medal
• Race bib
• Your choice of five distances
• The ability to submit your race results
• A donation to Freedom Service Dogs of America

Your medal and race bib typically ship within 2–5 business days after registration.

Display your medal as a reminder of the miles, memories, and four-legged friend who inspired them.

HOW DOES THE VIRTUAL RACE WORK?

1. Choose Your Distance

Select 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon.

2. Choose Your Course

Walk or run around your neighborhood, visit your favorite park, explore a dog-friendly trail, use a treadmill, or complete your miles anywhere that works for you.

3. Complete Your Challenge

Run, walk, jog, or hike at your own pace.

Complete your distance all at once or spread your miles across multiple days.

Bring your dog along wherever pets are welcome—or dedicate your challenge to a dog who has touched your life.

4. Track Your Miles

Use your favorite running app, smartwatch, fitness tracker, treadmill, or another method to track your distance.

5. Celebrate

Submit your results and celebrate your accomplishment with your International Dog Day medal.

No crowds. No race-day pressure.

Just you, your miles, and maybe your favorite four-legged training partner.

RUN FOR SERVICE DOGS

Your miles can help make a difference for both people and dogs.

At least 15% of every International Dog Day Virtual Race registration is donated to Freedom Service Dogs of America.

Freedom Service Dogs transforms shelter dogs into highly trained assistance dogs and partners them with people who need their support, including veterans, active-duty military members, children, and adults living with disabilities.

That means your dog walking or running challenge isn't only about celebrating the dog you love.

Your miles can help another dog change someone's life.

MORE THAN $1 MILLION RAISED FOR CHARITY

Since 2013, the Virtual Run Events community has helped raise more than $1 million for charities and nonprofit organizations.

Every registration adds to that impact.

Every race gives us another opportunity to support a meaningful cause.

And every mile reminds us that something as simple as going for a walk can become part of something much bigger.

Move your body. Celebrate your dog. Make your miles matter.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL RACE?

A virtual race is a running or walking challenge you complete on your own schedule and from virtually anywhere.

There is no required starting line, no crowded race morning, and no minimum pace.

Walk your neighborhood with your dog.

Run your favorite trail.

Use a treadmill.

Complete your miles alone or invite other dog lovers to join you.

You choose the distance. You choose the course. You create the finish line.

EVERY MILE CELEBRATES MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Your dog doesn't care how fast you run.

They don't care whether you finish a mile or a marathon.

They're just happy to be part of the adventure.

Choose your challenge:

1 Mile. 5K. 10K. Half Marathon. Marathon.

Grab the leash.

Lace up your shoes.

And celebrate the dogs who make our lives better—one mile at a time.