New Year New Me Run 5K/10K/13.1 MEMPHIS

Join the Mutt Strut 5k Memphis 2026, a dog friendly charity race supporting Dogs 2nd Chance rescue. This fun 5K run and walk takes place in beautiful Overton Park and welcomes runners, walkers, families and allows their dogs to take part in the race.

The event features a scenic 3.1 mile course, finisher medals, team fundraising opportunities, and awards for top 3 finishers in each age group. All proceeds go directly toward rescuing and caring for abandoned and abused dogs in the Mid South.

Whether you're looking for a Memphis 5k race, a dog-friendly event, or a charity run in Tennessee, Mutt Strut 5K is a must attend community event.

The race begins at the beautiful Rainbow Lake Pavilion across from Overton Bark dog park in Memphis Tennessee.

Follow us on Facebook or muttstrut5k.com for the most up to date event news.

Dogs 2nd Chance is a local mid south dog rescue group, saving abandoned, abused and stray dogs since September 2007.

**ALL DOGS MUST REMAIN ON A SHORT LEASH WHILE IN THE PUBLIC WAY FOR THIS EVENT THIS INCLUDES PARTICIPATING IN THE RUN/WALK. Retractable leashes are not allowed. Female dogs in heat and puppies under 12 weeks are prohibited from this event. ALL DOG OWNERS ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURY AND/OR DEATH OF A PET OR PERSON CAUSED BY THEIR PET WHILE PARTICIPATING/ATTENDING THIS EVENT. Dog owners/handlers certify that their pet is free from infectious diseases and parasites and shall provide a current rabies certificate upon request. No child under the age of 18 is permitted to run with their dog. Owners must maintain control of their dogs at all times. Dogs will be provided fresh water during and after the run. Dogs must be accompanied at all times while attending the event. Dogs may participate in this event however, you do so at your own risk

There is lots of parking all over Overton Park near the Rainbow Lake Pavilion. You can park on both sides of the road all along Veterans Plaza, Golf Drive and Morrie Moss Lane. Arrive early to grab a great spot or carpool to the park to save spaces.

Sign up by September 10th to guarantee a t-shirt on race day!

Packet Pickup

Thursday Oct 8th 3-6:30 location pending

Friday Oct 9th 3-6 pm location pending

Packets can also be picked up Saturday morning before the race begins starting at 7:45 am.

Medal Awards will be given this year for:

Top Male and Female

Top Male Master and Female Master (40+)

Top Male Grand Master and Female Grand Master (70+)

Top Male Senior Grand Master and Female Senior Grand Master (80+)

The top 3 in each age group: 1-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, 80+

Below is the race course map:

All participants crossing the finish line will receive a Mutt Strut 5k medal.

Festival Description:

The Memphis Running Festival was born out of a desire to bring the Memphis running community together in one place for an incredible day of community, running, and fun. Focused first and foremost on building a vibrant community of runners in Memphis, this event is built on the premise of running being an activity for everyone in an environment that all Memphians know and love. The premier event of the day will be the 12-hour run beginning at 7am and ending at 7pm. Total mileage run over the course of that 12 hours will be tallied up and considered your result for the day. If running 12 hours alone seems a bit daunting, you can also sign up for the relay with two friends rotating out however you would like to cover as many miles as you can. If 12 hours still seems a bit long you can also sign up for the 6-hour solo event or with a relay team as well. Outside of these events we will also be hosting a 5k, 10k, mile, and donut mile. Starting at 10am we will also have various running clubs in the area come out to do fun runs throughout the day. If you're looking to join a running club this is a great place to meet folks, run with some groups, and find out where you belong. The day's events will culminate at 6pm with the golden hour of the 12-hour event. These folks have been running all day and deserves all the support and cheers that everyone can muster to bring them home strong to finish up their last few miles for the day.

Course Description:

All of the events will be following the Old Forest Loop or Limestone Loop trail. They run parallel with each other through the park, so pick whichever you prefer. We only ask that once you enter the portion of the loop that is accessible by car that you hop up on the limestone trail. Please leave the road open for cars to traverse through the park.

Timeline:

7am: 12-hour solo and 12-hour relay begins8am: 5k and 10K 10am: Run Club Showcase4pm: Donut Loop Race5pm: 1 Loop Race 5:30pm: 1 Loop Relay6pm: Golden Hour for 12 hour runners. Cheer those folks on!

Aid Station:

We will have one aid station at the Rainbow Lake Pavilion. The aid station will have water, electrolyte drinks or mix, coke, sprite, pickle juice, pancakes, bacon, and various other snacks to enjoy. If you are participating in the 12-hour or 6-hour event we will also have more significant food brought in around lunch and dinner hours. Stayed tune for more info on this as we get closer to the event. Runners participating in the 12-hour or 6-hour events are encouraged to set up tents on the greenspace to supply their own aid and hydration if they have specific things they would like to use.

SWAG:

All runners will receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal. Any signups after November 1st are not guaranteed a shirt or a medal.

Event's current local time: 3:39 AM CT

Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/10k/15k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $22!

• 5k/10k/15k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!