MacDill's Paws 4 Heroes 5K (Formerly Paws for Patriots 5k)

🐾 Event Overview

The Dogs Inc's MacDill's Paws for Heroes 5k promises to be a fun event. It features chip timing on an accurate, but not certified 5k course in a scenic Tampa (Gadsden) park. Runners (and virtual runners) will receive both a shirt and finisher's medal.

💰 Purpose of the Event

The cost to provide a guide dog for a veteran with a visual impairment or a service dog for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder is tens of thousands of dollars, yet veterans receive these extraordinary dogs at no cost. All funds raised will benefit the Paws for Patriots Program. On behalf of American heroes who have sacrificed so much, this program serves active-duty soldiers and retired servicemen and women with the respect and dignity they deserve.

🗓️ Registration Information

• Deadline: Please register by 6 April 2025 to be guaranteed a race shirt.

❓ FAQs

• Race Cancellation: In the event that we are unable to conduct the event live, everyone will be converted to a virtual runner and we'll distribute your finisher medal and shirts.
• Same Day Registration: No. The city doesn’t allow sales in the park so there will be no race day registration.
• Packet Pickup: We will have packet pickup on-site at Gadsden Park on race morning beginning at 7 AM.
• Running with Dogs: If you will be participating with your service dog, yes! Other dogs will not be allowed on the course due to our insurance requirements.

🏅 Medals and Awards

• Finisher's Medal: Yes, all participants receive both a race shirt and a finisher's medal.
• Age Group Awards: Yes, awards will be given to 1st through 3rd in ten-year age groups.

🏃‍♀️ Virtual Run Details

• How it Works: It is done on an honor system. You can run your 5k at any time and don’t have to report your finish. We'll send out your shirt and finisher's medal the week after the race.

🏞️ Race Course

The race course is about two and a half loops at Gadsden Park. You can preview the route at https://youtu.be/Ggi-WpyOXj4. We'll provide a course map in race day emails and have copies available for viewing during packet pickup.

📍 Event Location

Join us on April 19, 2025, at 6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL.

🔗 More Information

For additional details, visit the race page at Paws for Patriots 5K.