Event Description
Join us at McFarland Park for a morning full of fun! The Howl-O-Ween Dash is a family-friendly 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run benefitting the Florence-Lauderdale and Colbert County Animal Shelters. The morning kicks off with a 5K route, followed by a 1-Mile Fun Run that ensures runners, walkers, and furry friends of all ages get their chance to participate, race, and win. You don't have to have a pet to sign up and participate, but pets are heavily encouraged to attend in their best costume to run the race and compete in our pet costume contest! While the pets take center stage, owners are encouraged to join the fun and dress up with their pets.
On race morning, we're bringing the community together with:
- Awards: Open to top runners and pets
- Pet Costume Contest: Dress your furry friend in their best costume! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place pets will take home prizes - Kids' Pumpkin Painting: Festive fun to keep the little ones entertained all morning
- On-Site Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee available from Wander Coffee
- On-Site Recovery Station: Dry needling, cupping, and manual stretching available by
Embodied Physical Therapy.
Course
Join us down at McFarland Park along the riverbank for a fast and flat USATF Certified 5K course
5K USATF Certification #AL16027JD
Amenities, Features, and Highlights
All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on October 18th are guaranteed a race shirt
Awards
1st Place Overall
1st Place Overall Pet + Owner (no off-leash participants)
1st Place 12 & under
1st Place 13-35
1st Place 35-60
1st Place 60+
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Pet Costume Contest
Aid Stations
There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one at the turnaround on the course. On Course aid station will have water and first aid. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes and Embodied Physical Therapy will also be set up on race day providing cupping, dry needling, and manual stretching for anyone interested.
Additional Information
Early Packet Pick-up
Friday, October 30 at Keene & Scott, 210 E. Tennessee Street, Florence, AL 35630
Race Day Schedule
Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 7:30-8:15 AM
Announcements and 5K call to start: 8:20 AM
5K Race Start: 8:30 AM
Fun Run Start: 9:30 AM
Awards: 9:35 AM
FAQ
Where is the race? McFarland Park, 200 James M Spain Dr Florence, AL 35630
When is the event? Saturday, October 31, 2026 - 8:30 am CT RACE START
What time should I arrive? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, October 30th, please plan to arrive prior to 8:00 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up
Can I register on race day? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 8:15 AM to support our planned start time
Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the race will be held at Keene & Scott on Friday, October 30th or you can pick up your race packet starting at 7:30 am race day morning at McFarland Park.
I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!
Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!
When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day October 18th. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts. If all shirt sizes are listed as SOLD OUT, please select the None option to complete your registration and any extra shirts will be available after the 5K race at the event.
Are there awards? Yes! Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall, and top overall in 4x Open Age Divisions
What are the age divisions? 12 and Under, 13-35, 36-60, 60+
Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site at McFarland Park
Are pets allowed to run with their owners in the race? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed pets are encouraged to run! If you would like a Gun Time start offset for starting at the back of the pack with your pet, please speak with the race timer prior to race start.
Do I have to bring a pet to attend? No! You can participate without a furry friend.
Is the costume contest only for pets? Yes. We will only be judging pet costumes, but we heavily encourage owners to dress up with their pets!
Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.
Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed
Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events
Is the 5K course certified? Yes, the 5K course is USATF certified #AL16027JD
Is the 1 Mile course certified? No, but it is a measured ~1 Mile distance and will have police and course marshal presence for safety
Does the 5k course have hills? Not really. Because the course is along the river, there aren't any hills along the course of significant grade (<5%).
Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome!
I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone!
I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!
