South Haven Triathlon

The Midwest Canine Obstacle Run is a 5k run through the trails at The Woods Fitness Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Participants will compete in the 5k with their canine partners on leash as they tackle wooded trails, creek beds, dirt and water, along with over 40 obstacles to test teams of all abilities. Run with the best to see how you stack up, or simply enjoy the day with your best friend trying new things and bonding in a beautiful outdoor fitness park. All ages and abilities are encouraged, as this is more about your pups than anything else. There will be finisher medals and hat, award medals, food and beer tent, live music, vendors, overnight camping and much more as you make lifetime memories with your furry friends. So sign up today as we bring a whole new kind of fun to the Midwest!

2025-2026 NATIONAL CANINE OBSTACLE RACE SERIES

Overall finish each race (Male and Female) Podium Finish

Top 10% 50 points 1st 30 points

Top 25% 40 points PLUS 2nd 25 points

Top 50% 30 points 3rd 20 points

Top 75% 20 points 4th 15 points

Finish 10 points 5th 10 points

Extra Bonus Points

Complete all 7 series events 100 points

September 14th- Leons Canine Obstacle Run, Indiana Dunes National Park IN

October 4th- Midwest Canine Obstacle Run, The Woods Fitness Park MI

October 18th- OneWorld Canine Obstacle Run, Anniston AL

Ultimutt- TBD, Greenville SC

May 16th- OneWorld Canine Obstacle Run, Anniston AL

May 23rd- Adventure Canine Challenge- Bethpage TN

June 6th- SEASON FINALE Midwest Canine Obstacle Run, The Woods Fitness Park MI

$50/person for National Race Series. Finals will be at Midwest Canine Obstacle Run June 6th, with awards following the event. Everyone will get swag- I plan on a cool logo, decals for car, shirts that show locations on a map, series medals, dog apparel and more. Still working on sponsorships, but plan on having Series Sponsors. We will have overall Mens and Womens awards, Masters Mens and Womens (50+), and would like to start a junior division with enough interest.

All Fall races are open for registration- sign up today to guarantee your spot!

Join us for year #2!

We are so excited to invite you back as we celebrate the end of our month-long fundraiser to help fund our Refuge on the Rock orphanage in Guatemala!

About Us:

Paradise Bound Ministries began working in Guatemala in 1997, and we are privileged to serve alongside local Guatemalan people who are passionate about reaching Guatemala for Christ. Together, we’ve developed several village outreach opportunities that all point people to Jesus!

All funds raised from this race will go directly to support "Refuge on the Rock" (previously named Open Doors Orphanage). Refuge on the Rock welcomed it’s first child in 2011. Since then, more than 150 vulnerable children have found safe refuge inside its walls. Our dedicated staff pours into these little ones to provide the highest quality care and the love, tenderness, and respect every child deserves.

Location:

Paradise Bound Ministries

405 Centerstone Court

Zeeland, MI 49464

Race Day Timeline:

6:30 - 7:45 AM | Packet pickup

7:50 AM | National anthem/announcements

8:00 AM | 5K starts

8:05 AM | Fun Run starts

8:20 - 10 AM | Post-race food and fun!

9:00 AM | 5K awards

Will the event be timed?

Yes! The 5k route will be timed. The Fun Run will not be timed.

Packet Pickup:

Friday, June 5 | 4-6 PM

Paradise Bound Ministries (405 Centerstone Ct. Zeeland, MI 49464)

Stop by to get your pre-race packet and t-shirt!

We will also have packet pickup available on race day from 6:30-7:45 am.

Will participants receive shirts?

Yes! Participants who sign up on or before May 14 are guaranteed to receive a shirt in their requested size. If you sign up after May 14, we will do our best to still get you a shirt, but sizes/supplies may be limited.

What are the age group divisions?

The 5K Divisions will be separated by male and female and are outlined below:

10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

We will also give away awards for top three overall finishers (M&F).

Is the route USATF certified?

No. We have done our best to map out routes; however, they might not be exact.

Not interested in running but want to volunteer?

Amazing! We would love your help! Please email [email protected] for information.

Do you offer refunds?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds at this time. We appreciate your support for our ministry and your understanding!

Still have questions?

Please contact Jesse Maas at [email protected] or fill out the form below.

The 5K course will take runners and walkers along the beautiful St. Joseph River and two Lake Michigan beaches. Participants will race along Silver Beach, Lions Park Beach and Howard Recreational Trail and then through the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. The race begins and ends at the Margaret Upton Arboretum. The 5K begins at 9 a.m.

The non-competitive 1K fun run (0.62 miles) begins prior to the 5K. With volunteers cheering along the way, the children will follow a paved sidewalk and safe route. Parents are encouraged to run with younger children. All participants will receive a race bib, rubber duck award and t-shirt. The 1K Kids' Fun Run begins at 8:40 a.m.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Alex Mandarino Foundation, founded by Tony & Katie Mandarino to honor the courage and strength of their son, Alex. The Alex Mandarino Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization dedicated to helping save the lives of children with neuroblastoma and other rare pediatric cancers. Our mission is to provide critical funding for research related to the prevention, treatment, and ultimate cure of neuroblastoma. By participating in Alex's Duck Duck Run you are helping fund new medicine that will increase survival rates of kids with cancer.

Visit www.thealexmandarinofoundation.org for more information.