Local Lowdown: Participate in a Spring Running or Walking Race With Your Dog!

Welcome to one of Paw Nation's newest columns, Local Lowdown, where we give you ideas for hanging with your hound (and kitty!) in your home city. We'll tell you about interesting local events, important activities, useful resources and other fun happenings all across the country. And feel free to help us do a better job by writing in with suggestions for local events near you.

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Spring is almost here and it's the perfect time to find new activities to enjoy with your dog. What should be at the top of your list? Dog running and walking races! These events offer the perfect combination of dogs and their people socializing and exercising.

The races are typically 1K to 5K, and the choice of whether to walk or run is up to you and your four-legged partner. Most races are offered as fundraisers for animal welfare causes. There often are goody bags for all participants and prizes to the top dogs in categories like size and age. Many events include post-race parties or pet festivals with contests, vendors and entertainment too. If you've never run with your dog before, check out this Paw Nation article that's filled with tips and advice.

While walkers and runners without dogs are invited to join in on the fun, some events offer something special for them, the option to "rent-a-dog" with which to participate in the race. Local humane societies provide the pups and benefit from their "rental fees," and the dogs get in some exercise, socialization and perhaps even a new home.

Here are upcoming races in Fletcher, N.C., Grapevine, Tx., Paso Robles, Calif., Portland, Oreg., Richmond, Va. or Tuscon, Ariz. Or start your search for one in your area.

Fletcher, N.C.
Get your dog's tail wagging at Run for the Paws on March 28th. It's a one-mile walk, post-race Pet Wellness Fair, and more.

Grapevine, Texas
The 11th Annual Hound Dog Hustle on April 24th includes a Dog Costume Contest, Dog Adopt-A-Thon & Expo, and you'll meet the local K-9 Unit there too.

Paso Robles, Calif.
Race in the March 27th 2nd Annual Paso Robles Dog Jog, where all canine participants receive a race day bandanna and dog goody bag. Runners and walkers without dogs can rent a pup to race with from the Woods Humane Society.

Portland, Ore.
The 23rd annual Doggie Dash on May 15th is one of Portland's most popular events for dog lovers. Complete with a Pet Festival with contests, vendors, music, and more, all proceeds benefit the Oregon Humane Society. Don't miss it! .

Richmond, Va.
It's not too late to register for the 8th Annual Dog Jog and 5K Run this Saturday, March 20. Get in on the fun and post-race festivities all to support the Richmond SPCA.

Tucson, Ariz.
Run or walk in the 2nd Annual Tucson Canine Classic on April 3rd and stay for Pet Festival with 50+ exhibitors, food, fun, and music. Don't miss the 100-yard-dash race just for puppies!

Tags: canine classic, dog 1k, dog 5k, dog jog, dog races, dog running races, DogJog, DogRaces