Animals

While veterinary students love all animals, ONLY DOGS will be allowed at the Fast and the Furriest 5K in accordance with our event permit. With such a high volume of participants and dogs that will be present, we want to ensure the safety of all animals, participants, and children at the event. Thank you for understanding. All canine participants must abide by the City of Fort Collins regulations, be up-to-date on vaccinations, on leash, and well-behaved around people and other dogs. Please remember to clean up after your pet and enjoy the race. 

FAQ’s

Will this race be chip timed?

Yes, the race will be chip timed. If you want race results and want to be included in the final finish results, you MUST see the registration tent on race morning and pick up your timing chip. Timing chips will ONLY be available race day morning.

How do I get there?

From I-25, traveling north or south (These directions apply to visitors using I-25 to reach Fort Collins, such as those traveling from the Denver area or Cheyenne, WY):

• Use Exit 269B, CO-14 W. toward Fort Collins,
• Head west onto E. Mulberry St. for 4.2 miles,
• Turn left on Meldrum Street, and continue into the parking lot 310 or 315

From College Ave., traveling north (these directions apply to visitors traveling on College Ave., U.S. 287 from the Loveland area):

• Travel north on College Ave. until you reach E Laurel St.,
• Turn left on Laurel St. and continue for 0.2 miles,
• Turn left on Meldrum Street, and continue into the parking lot 310 or 315

What time should I arrive on race morning?

We recommend participants arrive between 7 - 8 AM to allow for adequate check-in, picking up your timing chip, bathroom time, and parking time. The expo will open at 7:30 AM, where you can check out various canine rescue groups, animal-related brands, sponsor tables, and enjoy some food before the race.

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms will open at 7:30 AM and are located in the Lory Student Center Building, directly west of the expo and packet pick-up area.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! Well-behaved dogs allowed and encouraged. Please bring waste bags and keep them on leash at all times.

Can I bring my pet cat, goat, llama, snake, rat, mouse, guinea pig, hedgehog, sheep, goldfish, etc.?

Unfortunately, only dogs will be allowed at the Fast and the Furriest 5K. We love all animals at CSU – but our race permit only allows us to have dogs on campus. 

Will there be food and drinks? What about on the race course?

Food and water will be available before and after the race, as well as water bowls for dogs. Two aid stations located along the race route will provide water. 

Will awards be mailed?

Unfortunately, all awards must be collected onsite.  If you are unable to collect your award, you may have a friend accept it for you, or we will kindly donate your award to our raffle.

What’s this about a raffle and the chance to win amazing prizes?

All participants will receive one raffle ticket in their race goody bag, with the chance to provide a donation to purchase additional raffle tickets. The raffle will be held at 10:30 AM after the Awards Ceremony.  Participants are encouraged to stick around after the race for the chance to win prizes. Participants must be present to win any raffle prize valued under $50. Raffle prizes valued over $50 will be contacted via email and we will arrange for an on-campus pick-up time at a later date. 

Tell me more about the team competition! 

This year, we are instituting a special team competition for all of our athletes – we encourage anyone and everyone to form or join a team for the chance to win bragging rights and prizes. All teams must check in on race day with the registration team, let the staff know how many dogs were brought for each team, and show off their team’s costume/theme to count for points! Teams must consist of four or more team members, to form an official team. Team competition prizes will be announced at the awards ceremony, beginning approximately around 10:30 AM.

How are teams scored?  

Similar to high school cross-country scoring, the team with the lowest total points is the team winner. 

1. The team score shall be the total of the finishing positions of the top 4 scoring members (i.e. if Team Superdog raced this event and finished in positions 3, 6, 15, and 21, their initial score will be 45).
2. Teams that have between: 5-9 members will receive an automatic scoring bonus of (-0), 10-15 members will receive an automatic scoring bonus of (-15), and 20+ members will receive an automatic scoring bonus of (-20).
3. For every dog brought to the Fast and the Furriest 5K, the team will be awarded (-1) point per dog.
4. For all teams dressed in costume and/or in a theme, each team will be awarded (-10) bonus points.
5. In the above scenario, if this Team Superdog consisted of 13 team members who brought 8 dogs and dressed in a superhero theme for the event, they would then have a total of 12 points.