5k for K-9s Harry Pherson Memorial Run

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's race!

Friends of Friends, please plan to join us in Byrd Park at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 23, 2023, for the 8th annual 5K for K-9s Harry Pherson Memorial Run!

This is a family-friendly/dog-friendly event supporting your Richmond Police K-9 Unit! By popular demand, our K-9 officers and their hardworking Police K-9s will perform a live demonstration at the conclusion of the race.

Runners, walkers, dog enthusiasts, strollers and leashed dogs are all welcome to participate in this K-9 5k. Proceeds raised from participant registrations directly support the health care, training, and well-being of both active and retired working dogs affiliated with the Richmond Police Department K-9 Unit.

Race swag: Race participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher medal, and Friends of Richmond K-9 swag bag.

Awards: Top overall female and top overall male each win a $100 gift card. Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 female and top 3 male finishers. 

Age group awards: Top 3 finishers in each age group will receive a special award. Age Groups: 15 and under, 16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.

Packet pickup: You can pick up your race packet/bib # on Friday, September 22, at the Richmond Police Training Academy between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. All runners will receive an email with packet pickup instructions and other race details. For those who are unable to pick up your packet on Friday, we will also make packet pickup available at the race beginning at 7:45 am (but please pick up your race packet on Friday if you can!).

FAQ:

1. Dogs are welcome to participate in the race! All participating dogs must be friendly, well behaved, and under owner's control at all times (on a 6' or shorter fixed length leash). The dog must be up to date on shots. We ask that runners with dogs start near the back of the pack for the safety of all runners and other participating dogs. Owners must bring bags to clean up after dogs. 

2. Participants are welcome to have strollers on the race course. We ask that participants with strollers start near the end of the pack for the safety of children, participating dogs and other runners. 

3. Children 5 and under may run or walk with an adult for free if they pace with an accompanying adult during the race. Race participants 6 and over must pay the registration fee and have a bib # to participate. 

4. Race will be chip timed by Commonwealth Timing and Race Management: http://www.commonwealthtiming.net/