3 running events in Richland County, South Carolina

🚨 SOLD OUT – REGISTRATION CLOSED

The Dog Daze 5K has reached its 400-participant capacity and is officially SOLD OUT.

There will be NO on-site registration available at Packet Pick-Up or on Race Day.

Thank you for the incredible support of the Dog Daze 5K and Animal Mission of the Midlands!

🐾 Dog Daze 5K – A Race for Runners, Walkers & Waggers!

📅 Race Day: Saturday, February 7th, 2026 | 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM

📍 Location: Olde Woodlands Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway, Columbia, SC 29209

🎽 Benefiting: Animal Mission of the Midlands – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to end pet overpopulation and euthanasia in the Midlands.

🐾 About Animal Mission of the Midlands:

Local nonprofit providing low-cost spay/neuter, microchipping & vaccines

Partners with Columbia Animal Services & area vets

Thousands of pets helped annually through its voucher program

Committed to saving lives and supporting responsible pet ownership

For more information: https://animalmission.org/

🐶 What to Expect:

Fast, PR-friendly course (formerly the "Sweat It Out 5K")

Creative awards, fun dog-themed shirts, and a festive atmosphere

Dogs welcome! (leashes required)

Special awards for the Top 3 Dogs to finish

Perfect for competitive runners, casual walkers & families

Race is Rain or Shine! No Refunds! No Deferrals! No Bib Transfers After 2/1/26.

2026 Cocky Trot 5K

Note: Due to the ongoing construction for the Williams-Brice Reimagined project, this year's course will be different than previous years. The race will still run through Gamecock Park and the indoor and outdoor practice football facilities but will start and finish in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The course will not go through Williams-Brice Stadium.

When: April 25, 2026

5K Start: 9:00 AM

1 Mile Fun Run Start: 9:20 AM

Start Line: South Carolina State Fairgrounds

901 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201

Finish Line: South Carolina State Fairgrounds

901 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201

Registration includes:

• Commemorative Race Shirt

• Commemorative Finisher Medal

• Chip Timing

• Personal Results Page with Personal Finish Line Video

• Access to purchase discounted football and baseball tickets

• Post-race refreshments

Post-race refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Information on how to purchase discounted tickets for football and baseball will be sent closer to race day.

Message from the Race Director

Never say never. After retiring the Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler in 2020 because of the pandemic and its profound impact on our race operations, we’ve decided to revive this awesome women’s-only event on May 16, 2026!

With a beautiful new venue in Columbia, South Carolina, at Gills Creek Memorial Park in Forest Acres and a scenic neighborhood course, we’re bringing you a re-imagined Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler. We will once again offer a 5-mile run/walk and a 3.5-mile fitness walk. This time, however, both five-mile runners and walkers will be chip-timed, while 3-mile walkers will continue to enjoy a fun and relaxed untimed experience. So whether you’re an elite athlete or a woman looking for a special feel-good event to experience with your girlfriends, you’ll find something to love on Saturday, May 16.

You can count on this event to continue celebrating women's health and the power of a healthy lifestyle. Our all-female race committee is preparing special touches to set this event apart from all others so that every woman who participates will feel super special and appreciated.

Register now for the Heart & Sole so you can be part of the fun on May 16. We're coming back with a bang!

Until then, stay strong and healthy!

Jeanna Moffett

Race Director