Q: What are the deadlines to register online?
A: February 2-March 31: Early Bird Registration April 1st- May 7th (closes online at 4pmEST): Regular Registration May 9th: Event Day Registration begins at the Beveridge Pavillion at 9am.Q: What is the cost to register?
A: Early Bird Registration: $30 for participants 13 years +, $20 for participants 12 and under**Babies and children in strollers are free (does not include additional t-shirt or official timing)
Q: What's Included in my registration?
A: Early bird registration includes an event T-shirt with guaranteed size preference and a cookie for human and dog participants. General registration includes a cookie for human and dog participants. Event shirts and prefered sizing are not guaranteed if registering after April 1, 2026.Q: What time does registration begin?
A: Check-in and registration will be from 9am-10am on May 9, 2026 at Stanley Park, Westfield at the Beveridge Pavilion.
Q: I don't have a pet, can I still participate?
A: YES, of course! And, if fact, we ENCOURAGE you to participate! Whether you participate in our 5k or 2k with or without a pet, or get active to honor animals- we encourage every single animal lover to join!
Q: What time does the race being? A: The 5k race starts is at 10:30am and begins in waves. Please see the below questions regarding wave lineup.
Q: What is the 5k race lineup?
A: Below is the line up of groups at the start line for the 5k. There will be a minute between each group's start time in order to give participants the best possible results for accurate timing. The line up is as follows:
1st Group: Runners without dogs (timed)
2nd Group: Runners with dogs (timed)
3rd Group: Walkers with and without dogs (please be aware that all timed bib participants- including walkers- must follow the 5k route. Please note that finish line, timing and photos will be closing at 12:00 p.m., whether participants have crossed)
Q: What is the race map?
Q: What are the race award categories?
A: We have several prize categories. This year we will recognize our overall 1st place race winners (both female and male). We will also recognize first place for age range (both male and female) in the following age categories: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. (Overall race winners will be redacted from the age categories).
We will also recognize the first 5k dog to cross the finish line.
Q: Why are you asking me to fundraise in addition to registration?
A: Your registration fee helps cover our costs of the event. By fundraising for Dakin Humane Society, you help raise critical funds to give animals the food, shelter and medical treatment they need. Every dollar you raise goes towards creating happier and healthier lives for animals right here in our community. Your impact will quickly add up! Just $50 helps provide 100 meals for pets when their families face financial hardship.
Your fundraising efforts will make sure vulnerable animals get the help they need through Dakin’s programs and services to find their path to better tomorrows.
Here is a quick and easy way to raise $100 to support animals at Dakin:
Q: What do I do with cash/check donations?
A: All mail-in donations-with tracking form- must be delivered by May 2, 2026 at P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101. We highly encourage online donations in order to properly record each participant's fundraising efforts. We cannot guarantee offline, mail-in donations will be assigned to a registered participant without this proper documentation.
Alternatively, you may deliver your cash/check donations to the registration tables on May 9, 2026. In order to qualify as a top fundraiser or top fundraising team, please note the deadline is May 2, 2026 at 5pm for totals.
Q: Will fundraisers be recognized?
A: Yes! We will be recognizing the top individual fundraiser. the top group team fundraiser, the top company team fundraiser, and the top youth fundraiser.
Please note that our deadline for recognition as a top fundraiser or fundraising team is Thursday, May 7 at 5:00 pm. Donations will be accepted through May 9th to qualify for the Beanies for Beanie challenge, but for top fundraiser recognition, please make sure your donations are in by the Thursday deadline. Please see more information on fundraising, including cash/check donation deadlines below.
Q: What are the fundraising incentives?
A: Join our Beanies for Beanie fundraising challenge! Any individual participating in Will Run For Cookies that raises a minimum of $100 will qualify to receive a blue beanie hat to wear at the event. If fundraising as a team, each $100 will earn one beanie that is capped at the number of team members (ex. A team of 3 that raises $500 would receive 3 beanies. A team of 7 that raises $300 will receive 3 beanies). We hope race participants will wear their blue beanies to form a sea of compassion for all animals in need like Beanie!
Q: Who is Beanie, and what does “Beanies for Beanie” mean? A: Beanie is a kitten who was rescued by Dakin’s Kitten Street Team just days before a snowstorm in January 2022. She was brought to Dakin for care along with her three siblings. By raising money for Dakin you can qualify to receive a blue beanie hat that not only keeps your head warm, but also helps the Kitten Street Team bring kittens in from the cold.
By fundraising for Dakin Humane Society, you are helping give animals the food, shelter and medical treatment they need. Every dollar you raise goes towards creating happier and healthier lives for animals right here in our community. Helping animals and people is a value deeply rooted in our mission and is the reason why many of Dakin’s programs and services exist. We envision a world where services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all, and companion animals are no longer vulnerable. Read more about Beanie.
Q: How do incentives work when fundraising as a team?
A: Our incentives are set up for individual fundraising. Each person who individually raises $100 will qualify for a beanie hat. If fundraising as a team, each $100 will earn one beanie that is capped at the number of team members (ex. A team of 3 that raises $500 would receive 3 beanies. A team of 7 that raises $300 will receive 3 beanies). These hats will not be available for purchase.
Q: I raised $200, can I receive two beanie hats? A: The exclusive blue beanie is available for fundraisers who raise $100. By reaching this goal you qualify to share your support of kittens, like Beanie, with a beanie hat. Only one beanie per fundraiser. However, for teams fundraising together, each $100 raised will earn one beanie, but is capped at the number of team members (ex. A team of 3 that raises $500 would receive 3 beanies. A team of 7 that raises $300 will receive 3 beanies).
Q: When will we receive our incentives? A: Incentives will be available for pick up on May 9, 2026 at Will Run For Cookies 5k. If you are unable to pick up your incentive on race day, please email kholloway@dakinhumane.org by June 1, 2026.