Event Description
Join us for the "2021 Running of the Blueberries presented by Pilgrim's-Nacogdoches," which features the classic 5K route on the Lanana Creek Trail, plus a NEW 10K challenge to commemorate our 10th anniversary. Running enthusiasts of all levels are invited to participate in our chip-timed 5K and 10K. Dog owners are invited to walk/run with their leashed and furry companions, and when registering, your pet for the run will receive a logoed bandana. To commemorate our 10th Anniversary, special participant medals will be presented to 5K and 10K participants upon completing the 5K or 10K.
Families, children, and dog walkers looking for a gentler course will want to check out the event's 1-mile route that loops around the Clint Dempsey Soccer Complex.
This scenic 5K/10K travels along the Lanana Creek Trail and benefits Dog Park Nacogdoches.
After the event, enjoy the 31st Annual Texas Blueberry Festival in downtown Nacogdoches. This is the most delicious festival in the Lone Star State— a day-long celebration of the annual blueberry harvest.
COVID-19: This event will observe guidelines for COVID-19 disease prevention, including social distancing and mask-wearing at the start and finish area (when not able to social distance, not required while running) as set forth by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Event staff will email guidelines the week of the event to promote participant safety.
SHIRTS: Participants are provided with a high-quality performance t-shirt. Youth and Ladies sizes are available to those who register by May 31. T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed to those who register after May 31 (size availability can be seen as your register). After that, t-shirts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
START TIME: 10K will start at 7:15 AM, 5K will start at 7:30 am, and One Mile will immediately follow 5K.
COURSE: Participants will travel on the Lanana Creek Trail and roads north of the Coy Simms Softball Fields. See routes below. There will be aid stations on the course, two on the 4K course and four on the 10K course.
AWARDS and MEDALS: To commemorate our 10th Anniversary, special participant medals will be presented to 5K and 10K participants upon completing the 5K or 10K.
5K Award categories: Overall Female/Male over 18, Overall Female/Male under 18, Fastest Dog and Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd & 3rd): 70+, 60-69, 50-59, 40-49, 30-39, 20-29, 15-19, 10-14, 9 and under.
10K Award categories: Overall Female/Male, Fastest Dog and Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd & 3rd): 70+, 60-69, 50-59, 40-49, 30-39, 20-29, 19 & under.
PARTICIPATION: Dogs are encouraged to participate, but due to the uneven surface of the trail, strollers are not recommended (but it's not impossible if you have a helper). Because of the narrow nature of the course along the Lanana Creek Trail, the race (5K and 10K together) is limited to the first 350 registrants. The 1-Mile event is limited to the first 100 registrants.
VIRTUAL: Participate with us anywhere, anytime! Run or walk on your own time and your own course and submit your results online. Download your digital bibs and receive your packet in the mail (after the live event). Participants receive a performance race shirt, participant medal, and virtual race packet.
PACKET PICKUP: Packet pickup will be the day before the race from 4-6 pm at the CL Simon Recreation Center at 1112 North Street. It will also be available at the Coy Simms Softball Complex on race morning from 6:30-7:15 am.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION: Race day registration will be available the morning of the race between 6:30 and 7:15 am IF the race has not sold out. Online registration continues until the start time of the course.
The Running of the Blueberries is part of the Texas Blueberry Festival presented by Tipton Ford and produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.
Please contact us at dogparknac@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks for your interest in our event!
