8 running events in Gilbert, Arizona

To get to the finish line you can run, walk, jog… or Dash for a Shelter Dog!

One Love is thrilled to bring you our fifth annual 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, taking place on February 14, 2026 at Freestone Park in Gilbert.

This event brings our community together to raise critical funds for some of the most vulnerable dogs in Maricopa County. Every step you take helps us give them the second chance they deserve.

So if your 2026 goal is giving back… consider this your sign. Get registered and meet us at the starting line!

One Love is a nonprofit organization that delivers innovative, hands-on programs to save at-risk shelter dogs and provide critical services to the community.

Funds raised from this event support the following life-saving programs:

🐕 Shelter Dog Project

Founded in 2015, this program focuses on removing barriers to adoption for at-risk shelter dogs through training, medical care, marketing, and post-adoption support.

New in 2025: We’re now offering free weekly PetSmart training classes for shelter and foster dogs to help them build confidence and prepare for life in a home.

✂️ Free Spay/Neuter Clinics

We offer free spay/neuter and vaccination clinics for pit bull, shepherd, and husky mixes—the breeds most at risk in our local shelters. These clinics help reduce shelter intake and support families who need a little extra help.

🏫 Prison Program

Through our 11-week in-prison dog training program, incarcerated individuals are paired with shelter dogs for a structured, rehabilitative experience. The program promotes personal growth for participants and prepares dogs for successful adoption.

Event details and schedule

Mail-in Registration

To register by mail please complete and return our Mail-in Registration Form! Please make all checks payable to StartLine Racing.

Virtual Run Registration

Of course we want you to participate in the Shelter Dog Dash locally but we understand things come up. So, if you can't join us at Freestone Park and still want to run, get the medal and a shirt then you still can! Here is your chance to take part in this event no matter where you are! And of course, all prices include shipping! Please note that all items will ship following the event on February 14th. Prior to the event all virtual participants will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your time.

Virtual Registrations are restricted to US addresses only. If you reside outside of the US and wish to participate please contact StartLine Racing at info@startlineracing.com

All Participants Receive

Custom Event Finisher's Medal

Custom Event 100% Ring Spun Cotton T-Shirt.

Age Group Awards for Top Three in all Age Groups for the 5K only. Our age groups are the following:

• 8 & Under, 9 & 10, 11-13, 14-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

Pre- and Post-Race "Runner's Brunch" (granola bars, fruit, water, Gatorade, etc)

Chip Timed with Real Time Results and Photos on our Website or Mobile App (on Apple and Google)

Event managed by StartLine Racing. Club SLR discounts do not apply.

Please note any race related items (shirts, medals, etc.) will NOT be mailed to those that do not attend.

Course Maps

5K Dash

1M Dash

Race Day Information

Race Day Check In will be available beginning at 8am at Freestone Park (race location).

We accept cash, or credit card on race day

Cost of registration on race day will be:

• $50 for the 5K Dash

• $30 for the 1M Dash

We welcome wheelchairs, and strollers out on the course.

No roller blades, skateboards, wagons or motorized devices are allowed on the run or walk courses.

Leashed pet friendly. We do ask that dogs be well behaved, kept 6ft apart from other dogs at all times and no retractable leashes.

Due to the common start/finish line, there is no bag check for this event.

This event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds for due to weather.

Packet Pick-Up Opportunities

• Friday, February 13, 2026 from 3:00 - 6:00pm at Solstice Fitness (map)

• Solstice Fitness is located at 2655 W Guadalupe Road, Suite 30, Mesa, AZ 85202

• Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Freestone Park (race location) beginning at 8am.

Event schedule

Fri, February 13, 2026 3:00 PM - Packet Pickup at Solstice Fitness in Mesa from 3-6pm

Sat, February 14, 2026 8:00 AM - Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup Opens

Sat, February 14, 2026 9:00 AM - 5K Dash Begins

Sat, February 14, 2026 9:05 AM - Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup Closes

Sat, February 14, 2026 9:10 AM - 1M Dash Begins

Sat, February 14, 2026 10:00 AM - Awards Ceremony Begins (approx.)

To get to the finish line you can run, walk, jog… or Dash for a Shelter Dog!

One Love is thrilled to bring you our fifth annual 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, taking place on February 14, 2026 at Freestone Park in Gilbert.

This event brings our community together to raise critical funds for some of the most vulnerable dogs in Maricopa County. Every step you take helps us give them the second chance they deserve.

So if your 2026 goal is giving back… consider this your sign. Get registered and meet us at the starting line!

One Love is a nonprofit organization that delivers innovative, hands-on programs to save at-risk shelter dogs and provide critical services to the community.

Funds raised from this event support the following life-saving programs:

Shelter Dog Project

Founded in 2015, this program focuses on removing barriers to adoption for at-risk shelter dogs through training, medical care, marketing, and post-adoption support.

New in 2025: We’re now offering free weekly PetSmart training classes for shelter and foster dogs to help them build confidence and prepare for life in a home.

Free Spay/Neuter Clinics

We offer free spay/neuter and vaccination clinics for pit bull, shepherd, and husky mixes—the breeds most at risk in our local shelters. These clinics help reduce shelter intake and support families who need a little extra help.

Prison Program

Through our 11-week in-prison dog training program, incarcerated individuals are paired with shelter dogs for a structured, rehabilitative experience. The program promotes personal growth for participants and prepares dogs for successful adoption.

IFRAME: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/dP78vSxaVo0?si=dufkX--wyHKHO_bQ

GEF Run for Fun 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk

and GPS Community Fiesta

Presented by the Gilbert Education Foundation and

Gilbert Public Schools

Saturday February 21, 2026

Campo Verde High School, 3870 S. Quartz Street, Gilbert, AZ 85297

Lace up your sneakers and join the Gilbert Education Foundation’s annual Run for Fun 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, followed by the exciting Gilbert Public School’s Community Fiesta!

💚 Run for a cause! Every step helps support health and enrichment programs for Gilbert Public Schools students and staff.

After the race — stay for the family fun!

🎶 Live DJ

🌮 Food Trucks

🎨 Arts & Crafts

🎯 Family Games & Prizes

🎭 Mascot Race – Don’t miss it!

The GPS Fiesta begins immediately after the race and continues until 12:00 PM.

Bring your friends, family, and school spirit for a morning full of fun, fitness, and community!

In case you are interested to take it a step further and sponsor our event,

please contact Theresa Dootson, Gilbert Education Foundation

at TheresaDootson@gefaz.org or 480.239.5117

THE HOURGLASS: PHOENIX

By Toughest Alive

March 28, 2026

Freestone Park – Gilbert, AZ

Bet on Yourself.

Welcome to The Hourglass: Phoenix.

This isn’t a treadmill.

This isn’t a perfectly paced road race.

This is open air, honest effort, and a clock that keeps shrinking.

Each round starts at 30 minutes.

Every round after that, the time cap drops by one minute.

Finish in time — you earn another start.

Miss the cutoff — your event is complete.

Last person standing wins.

But here’s what makes this different:

You’re not just racing.

You’re building camaraderie.

You’re suffering side-by-side.

You’re laughing at the reset line when the legs are cooked.

The Hourglass blends challenge, community, and genuine fun in a way most races don’t.

In Phoenix, it heats up fast.

Here — you bet on yourself.

And the house doesn’t win.

DATE / TIME / LOCATION

Date: March 28, 2026

Location: Freestone Park — Gilbert, AZ

Check-in opens: 8:00 AM

Race Brief: 8:45 AM

Start: 9:00 AM

Expect sun.

Expect effort.

Expect a crew that stays to cheer long after their own race is done.

THE HOURGLASS FORMAT

Round 1: 30:00

Round 2: 29:00

Round 3: 28:00

Round 4: 27:00

… and so on.

Each round, the clock shrinks by one minute.

Complete your required loop/work before the cap expires to earn your next start.

Miss the cutoff?

Your race ends — but your role shifts.

You stay.

You cheer.

You become part of the energy.

Rest time = whatever is left on the clock after you finish.

The reset line becomes the heartbeat of the event.

COURSE LOOPS

Freestone Park delivers fast, runnable terrain with open exposure and steady pacing potential.

Run Loop: 2 miles

Ruck Loop: 1 mile

Hybrid Athlete: 2-mile run + 10 burpees

Loaded Carry: 800m sandbag carry

Final loop map and race details will be sent in the pre-race email.

EVENT CATEGORIES

RUN (2-mile loop)

Complete the 2-mile loop and return before the shrinking time cap.

RUCK (1-mile loop)

Complete the 1-mile loop wearing a weighted pack.

Weight Standards (bring your own pack + weights):

Men: 35 lb

Women: 20 lb

HYBRID ATHLETE

2-mile run + 10 burpees each round.

Burpee Standard:

Chest & thighs touch ground at bottom

Full elbow extension above ears at top

LOADED CARRY

800m sandbag carry per round.

Sandbag Standards:

Men: 60 lb

Women: 45 lb

Carry options: Bearhug, shoulder, suitcase-style, balanced-on-your-head — it doesn’t matter. Just get back in time.

You may set the bag down — but you must finish before the time cap expires to earn your next round.

AWARDS

Top finisher in each category:

Run

Ruck

Hybrid Athlete

Loaded Carry

🏆 Top 5 in each category earn an invitation to compete at the Ultimate Hourglass in Anchorage, Alaska (September) for cash prizes and major bragging rights.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable running or training shoes

Water / electrolytes

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Weather-appropriate layers

Gloves optional (sandbag events)

Ruckers: bring your own pack + weights

Bring grit.

Bring a friend.

Bring your sense of humor.

FAQ

Is this beginner-friendly?

Yes. Absolutely. Early rounds are very manageable. The time pressure builds gradually. Choose the category that fits your current fitness level and style — and expect a supportive environment from start to finish.

But be clear — even experienced athletes will be pushed before it’s over.

Can I rest between rounds?

Absolutely. You should. Whatever time remains after you finish is your recovery window before the next round begins.

Can I switch categories mid-event?

No. Please choose your category during registration. If you need to switch prior to race day, contact us and we’ll assist if possible.

What if weather conditions change?

This is an outdoor event. Plan accordingly. If conditions become unsafe, course adjustments will be communicated.

Refunds / Transfers

All registrations are final. Entries may be transferred prior to race day (details provided in the pre-event email).