PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives
The PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives returns to Montrose Harbor on Saturday, August 29, bringing dogs, runners, walkers and animal lovers together along Chicago’s lakefront. Now in its 26th year, the event turns a summer morning in Uptown into a community-wide effort to help homeless pets.
You do not need to be a serious runner to take part. Walk the course with your dog, run on your own or spend the morning exploring the activities near Grove 16. Dog agility, raffles, entertainment, sponsor booths and plenty of fellow pet lovers make this feel more like a lakefront celebration than a traditional race.
Most importantly, every registration and fundraising effort supports the lifesaving work of PAWS Chicago. The organization has set a $450,000 fundraising goal for the event, giving Chicago’s animal-loving community an ambitious target to reach together.
Registration and Pricing
Advance registration is available through Wednesday, August 26 at 11:30 p.m. Each standard registration includes an event T-shirt, a wristband providing access to event activities and giveaways and a personal fundraising page.
Available for children from infancy through age 12. Child registration includes an event T-shirt and wristband.
Adult registration includes participation in the event, an event T-shirt and wristband.
This option includes an event T-shirt, wristband, event goody bag and access to the Hero Hangout. The Hangout is limited to guests age 21 and older, and identification is required at entry.
What Happens on Event Day?
Activities begin at 7:30 a.m. with registration, T-shirt and prize pickup. The Doggy Oasis, dog agility course, sponsor areas and Hero Hangout also open at that time.
The run begins at 7:45 a.m. An event program follows at the main stage at 8:15 a.m., featuring adoptable pets, recognition of the leading fundraising individuals and teams and a group photo for PAWS Chicago alumni.
Walkers begin lining up at 8:50 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m. The course closes at 10:30 a.m., followed by closing remarks at 10:50 a.m. The event concludes at 11 a.m.
Fundraising for Homeless Pets
Each participant receives a personal fundraising page after registering, making it easier to invite friends, relatives and coworkers to support their participation. Fundraisers can earn prizes and event-day perks as their totals grow.
Participants who raise at least $250 individually can qualify for the Hero Hangout. The $250 Automatic Hero Hangout registration option provides another way to secure access when registering.
The Hero Hangout includes food, beverages and an event goody bag. Because alcohol is served inside the area, admission is limited to qualifying participants age 21 and older. Younger participants who reach the fundraising threshold may still receive an event goody bag.
Getting to Montrose Harbor
The event takes place at Grove 16 near the lakefront trail, Montrose Beach and the open parkland surrounding Montrose Harbor. Lake Michigan, green space and views of the Chicago skyline create a memorable setting for the morning.
Parking
Free street parking may be available along Simonds Drive. Some nearby lots and portions of Montrose Harbor use paid or metered parking, so read posted signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
Parking can fill quickly during large lakefront events. Arriving early will give you more time to find a space, walk to Grove 16, check in and collect your event materials before the run or walk begins.
CTA and Public Transportation
The closest Red Line station is Wilson, near Wilson Avenue and Broadway. From the station, continue east toward the lakefront and Montrose Harbor. It is a substantial walk, so allow approximately 30 minutes or consider using a bus or rideshare for the final part of the trip.
The #78 Montrose, #81 Lawrence and #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express buses may also be useful, depending on where your trip begins. Direct seasonal service to Montrose Beach may not operate early enough for the beginning of the event.
Check the CTA Trip Planner and current service alerts before leaving home.
Map and Directions
Use the map below to view Grove 16 or open directions from your current location.
PAWS Chicago 5K FAQs
Can I bring my dog to the PAWS Chicago 5K?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in the walk and throughout the dog-friendly event areas, but they are not permitted in the run portion. Anyone attending with a dog should plan to join the walk or enjoy the surrounding activities instead.
PAWS Chicago limits attendance to one dog per registered participant. Dogs must be current on their vaccinations and kept on a non-retractable leash throughout the event.
Do children need to register for the PAWS Chicago 5K?
Yes. PAWS Chicago requires children to be registered regardless of age because registration includes acceptance of the event liability waiver.
The child registration option costs $20 and is available for children from infancy through age 12.
Does my dog need a separate registration?
No. Dogs may attend without an additional registration fee, but PAWS Chicago limits attendance to one dog per registered participant.
Dogs must be current on their vaccinations and remain on a non-retractable leash.
Can my dog run the 5K with me?
No. Dogs may take part in the walk, but they are not allowed in the run portion.
Runners who bring a dog should arrange for someone else to care for the dog while they are on the run route.
Are strollers, wagons and wheelchairs allowed?
Strollers and wagons are welcome in the event area and on the walk, but they are not permitted on the run route.
PAWS Chicago says the route is wheelchair accessible, although portions of the event grounds and walk may cross grass or gravel. Limited accessible parking and ADA-compatible portable restrooms are available.
What happens if there is bad weather?
Check the official PAWS Chicago registration page for current weather announcements and event updates.
PAWS Chicago states that registration fees are nonrefundable, including when an event is canceled because of weather.
Can I take the Red Line to the event?
Yes. The closest Red Line station is Wilson, near Wilson Avenue and Broadway. From there, continue east toward Montrose Harbor and Grove 16.
Allow approximately 30 minutes for the walk or use a bus or rideshare for the final part of the trip.
What is a fundraising team, and how does it qualify for the Hero Hangout?
A fundraising team is a group of individually registered participants who raise money together under a shared team name. Friends, relatives, coworkers and other groups can create or join a team, but each person still registers individually.
Team members qualify for the Hero Hangout when the team raises an average of at least $250 for each registered member. For example, a four-person team would need to raise at least $1,000 in total. The donations do not have to be divided evenly among team members.
Hero Hangout admission is limited to qualifying participants age 21 and older because alcohol is served. Younger participants who reach the fundraising threshold may still receive an event goody bag.
Walk, Run or Cheer Them On
The PAWS Chicago 5K offers several ways to be part of the morning. Register to run, walk beside your dog, create a fundraising team or come to Montrose Harbor to cheer on the participants.
However you take part, the event brings Chicago’s animal-loving community together to raise critical funds for homeless pets.