5 events in Ellicott City, Maryland

DobermanDay5K – 3rd Annual Run

🎉 Join the 3rd Annual DobermanDay5K and Support a Great Cause! 🎉

Get ready to hit the pavement (or the treadmill) for a fun, 5K challenge that you can complete at your own pace, from anywhere!

Whether you walk, run, or jog, this event is the perfect opportunity to stay active, bond with your pup, and support Doberman Assistance Rescue & Education (DAR&E) in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Dobermans.

What’s Included with Your Registration?

The following race packet will be mailed to you after race completion:

✅ A Free Printable Bib

✅ A High-Quality DobermanDay5K Finisher Medal for YOU

✅ A Free DobermanDay5K T-shirt (if registered by April 1st and you select the t-shirt option)

✅ A Special FREE Medal for Your Dog when you complete the 5K!

✅ A Printable Finisher’s Certificate (emailed with your time details)

✅ A chance to be featured on our website!

How It Works:

Race anytime between now and TAX DAY (April 15th) aka Doberman Day and help raise awareness for this wonderful, regal, and loyal dog breed. Post your race results and submit a pic!

BONUS RACE RAFFLE: Race between now and April 15th and be entered in a drawing for a half dozen custom (human) Doberman Cookies and a bag of treats for your doggo!

Virtual Race Info:

Sign up for the DobermanDay5K Virtual Run.

Complete your VIRTUAL 5K (maybe even with your dog) before December 31st 2026. You can walk, run, or jog — anywhere, anytime!

Post photos using the hashtag #DobermanDay5K or tag us @DARERescue. Show us your finishers' photos and the journey with your dog!

Receive your medal – your high-quality finisher medal will be mailed directly to you, plus a special medal for your dog as a reward for finishing before December 31st.

What is a Virtual Run?

A virtual run means you complete the race on your terms — from any location! Whether on the road, trail, treadmill, track, or even the mall, you set your own pace. Track your time, and once you finish, we’ll ship your medal directly to you.

TIPS for Your Run:

🏃‍♀️ Be safe: Follow social distancing guidelines, and stay home if you're feeling unwell.

📱 Plan your course: Use apps like Nike+ or RaceJoy for a smooth run.

👯 Tell someone about your run: Share the experience and stay accountable!

💖 Have fun: This run isn’t just for fitness — it’s also about supporting a great cause!

Race Details:

Distance: 3.1 miles (5K)

Run, walk, or jog at your pace from anywhere in the world.

Deadline: Submit your results by APRIL16th 2026 or for the Virtual Option by December 31st

Why We Love Dobies:

Dobermans are often misunderstood, but they are loyal, intelligent, and energetic companions. Whether they're serving as protection dogs or being your best friend at home, Dobies deserve love and support. Join us in raising funds to help DAR&E rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome these wonderful dogs.

Let’s make this event a success together — one paw at a time! 🐾

Join us for the 2026 KC5K: Running/Walking for Education! Once again the race will be LIVE and Virtual and is a fundraiser to support Kenya Connect's work to provide children with options in rural Kenya! Here's an OVERVIEW VIDEO to learn how participating in the KC5K makes a difference!

The LIVE Race will start from St. John's Episcopal Church and run through the beautiful Dunloggin Neighborhood. Participants can run or walk and strollers are welcome! The Top three runners/walkers (male/female) in all age categories (5-12, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) will win a hand-carved medallion from Wamunyu, Kenya and the top male/female overall will win a hand carved medallion and runner gift cards ($100 for first place and $50 for 2nd and 3rd place).

Virtual Runners will be invited to participate anytime between 9:00 am on Saturday, March 28 and 1:00pm on Sunday, March 29. Prizes will be awarded for the top three places overall male/female and the top winner male/female in the 5-11, 11-17, 18-30, 31-50, 51-70, 70+

Pets are welcome to participate too. At the LIVE race they must be on a leash and the owners must keep them away from other runners/walkers. We have a special bandana for them.

Join the Team Captain Challenge! Teams grow the race and teams get recognized. Here's the details: Captain Challenge (pick one): Recruit 6 teammates + raise $500 or Recruit 20 teammates. Any captain who meets a Challenge Goal will receive: a shoutout from Kenya Connect (social and race-day), A “KC5K Team Captain prize and serious bragging rights.

In addition, the Largest Team will be honored with KC's beekeeping program support in your team’s name (honey press + items dedicated to the team) and the Top Overall Fundraiser (team or individual): a library step dedicated in your honor

Runners can choose between three premiums: a Kenya Connect short-sleeved tech shirt, a visor or bandana. Participants must register by March 1 in order to be guaranteed a premium.

Registration cost is $40 until March 6 at 11:59 pm. The price will increase on March 7 to $45. Participants 18 and under race cost is $25. Pets are $10 which includes a bandana.

PACKET PICK-UP IS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 27 FROM 4:00-7:00 PM AT SPONSOR FEET FIRST COLUMBIA OR ON RACE DAY, MARCH 28 FROM 8:00-8:45 AM AT ST. JOHN'S. THE RACE IS RAIN OR SHINE AND WE DO HAVE THE ST. JOHN'S AUDITORIUM FOR PRE-RACE AND POST RACE ACTIVITIES. THANKS FOR SIGNING UP!

Enjoy the Kenyan Crafts Market on Race Day that will include colorful baskets, aprons, laptop sleeves and other items made by women in our village, jewelry and woodcarvings. There will also be post race lite bites and beverages (beer for over 21). It's a favorite community race!

SEE RACE MAP HERE