Thank you for registering for Run With the Dogs. We are looking forward to a great event!
Please take a moment to read through the FAQs, which contain important information on parking, packet pickup, and race day instructions.
When is the race?
Saturday, January 27, 2024
The Pup Trot (approx. 1 mile) begins at 8:30 am. This is a free event and anyone (dogs too, of course!) can participate. You can run this race for free on its own, or add it on to the 5K if you're registered for that race. The 5K begins at 9:00 am.
Where is the race and where do I park?
The race starts and finishes at Beacon Hill Middle School (formerly known as Renfroe Middle School), located at 220 W. College Avenue in Decatur. Free parking is available at Decatur High School, which is across the railroad tracks from Beacon Hill Middle School. Use the lot on E. Howard Avenue near N. McDonough Street. Free parking is also available at the Agnes Scott College parking deck at 137 S. McDonough Street. Both locations are a short walk to Beacon Hill. Please do not park in the neighborhoods surrounding Beacon Hill Middle School as these streets need to be kept as clear as possible for runners. Parking at Beacon Hill (front and rear lots) will be reserved for volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors.
The Decatur Police Department has asked us to include this announcement:
BY ORDER OF THE DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT: PLEASE DO NOT CROSS THE RAILROAD TRACKS AT ANY TIME. IT IS UNLAWFUL AND DANGEROUS.
How do I pick up my race number and T-shirt? Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Details about race packet pick-up will be available in January. Pre-event pickup and race day pickup will be available.
Can my friend/family member still register?
Yes! Register online through Friday evening and in person on race morning.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located inside the school.
I'm running with my dog. What do I do with him/her if I need to use the restroom before or after the race?
Volunteer "doggie valets" will be on hand to hang out with your dog and hold their leash while you use the restroom.
What else do I need to know about running with my dog?
Poop bags will be available at the registration table. Please help us keep the Beacon Hill campus and the race course free from dog waste.
PLEASE NOTE: We warmly welcome your four-legged running or walking buddy. However, before you bring your dog to the event, please consider whether they will be able to handle the crowds, noise, and commotion of a 500+ person race. Do they get overly excited when they see other dogs and respond by jumping or barking in a loud or scary way? Will they be uncomfortable having strangers approach and want to pet them, especially kids? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you may want to leave them at home.
Is there a water stop on the course?
There will be one water stop at the halfway point of the race. We will also have dog water bowls at the water stop. Dogs get thirsty too!
Is the 5K chip timed?
Yes!
Is this race a Peachtree Road Race qualifier?
Yes!
What race awards are given out?
Stick around after the race because awards will be given in the following categories: overall male, female, and nonbinary winners, overall male, female, and nonbinary masters, and top male, female, and nonbinary winners in the following age groups: 11 and under, 12-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over. Special thanks to Fleet Feet Decatur for providing our awards again this year!
I ordered a medium T-shirt but I'd prefer a large. Can I swap my shirt out?
T-shirt sizes were ordered from the registration data. We understand that sometimes the size is not what you expected. T-shirts can be swapped with any remaining available shirts after the 5K race, beginning around 10:00 am.
What else can I expect at the race?
Come early and visit our sponsor and exhibitor tables for giveaways and information. Post-race food and drink will also be available.
I'm not from Decatur. Where can I go after the race?
Welcome! We're glad you're here. There are many great places to get coffee, breakfast, or lunch after the race. Click here for a list.
What does Run With the Dogs support?
Run With the Dogs is the largest annual fundraiser of the Decatur Bulldog Boosters. The Booster Club supports 1,100 student athletes on 57 teams representing 19 different sports at Decatur High School and Beacon Hill Middle School through annual team grants. Several of these athletes will be volunteering at the event as course monitors and some are participating in the 5K. We would like to thank our generous community sponsors for making the event possible. See a full list of all sponsors, and learn more about supporting the Decatur Bulldog Boosters, by clicking here.
Questions?
Please email us at rwtd5K@decaturbulldogboosters.org.
See you at the race!
(Our 2024 Face of the Race Poster is coming soon. Please see below for last year’s winner, Tuck!)
