Event Information
Sample Event
Join us on sample date
Join us on sample date
PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, September 9, 2023
7:30am-11am
Montrose Harbor - Grove 16
Saturday, September 9, 2023
7:30am-11am
Montrose Harbor - Grove 16
Welcome to Chicago's LARGEST dog-friendly charity event, the 23rd Annual PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/ Run! The PAWS 5K raises funds to support the life-saving work of PAWS Chicago, the Midwest's largest No Kill animal shelter. This event welcomes human and dog participants from Chicagoland who come together and take steps to save the lives of homeless pets.
T-SHIRT
All event participants will receive our event shirt! We have an early pick up on Thursday, September 7, 5pm-7pm in the side parking lot of the PAWS Chicago Blazer Building (1933 N Marcey Street). Please note that due to staff availability, there is no other early pick up option available. You MAY pick up shirts for others, you just need to bring their names with you when picking up.
Please note that shirts must be picked up on Sep. 7 or at the event on Sep. 9. There will be no pickup or mail options after the event.
Please note that shirts must be picked up on Sep. 7 or at the event on Sep. 9. There will be no pickup or mail options after the event.
7:25 RUNNERS LINE UP LEAD BY TEAM PAWS CHICAGO RUNNERS (start/finish line) To help keep runners safe, we are dedicating a runners only start to reduce congestion on the route
7:30 RIBBON CUTTING FOR RUNNERS (start/finish line)
7:30 EVENT OPENS! Be sure to stop by the following areas:
7:30 RIBBON CUTTING FOR RUNNERS (start/finish line)
7:30 EVENT OPENS! Be sure to stop by the following areas:
A. Registration / Shirt Pick-Up -- this is where you can drop off donations, pick up your event shirt and wristband
B. Raffle -- purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win our 50/50 grand prize
B. Raffle -- purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win our 50/50 grand prize
C. Agility Course -- take your pups through our pet agility course presented by Tucker Pups Pet Resort
D. Doggy Oasis -- does your pup need a break or to cool down? Have them relax in the shade or jump in one of our pools at the Wag Hotels Doggy Oasis
E. Sponsor Tents -- our sponsors will have games and giveaways at their tents, check out our Sponsors tab to see a complete listing!
8:00 EVENT PROGRAM (main stage)
8:30 PAWS ALUMNI PHOTO (main stage) For those who have adopted or fostered for PAWS Chicago, join us for our annual Alumni Photo! Even if your dog/cat isn't at the PAWS 5K, you may still join the photo at the main stage. Be sure to bring those red bandanas!
9:00 RIBBON CUTTING FOR WALKERS (start/finish line) Course then opens for walkers and will remain open until 10:30am to complete at your own leisure!
10:30 ROUTE CLOSES
10:45 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET SALES CLOSE
10:55 CLOSING REMARKS AND 50/50 DRAWING (main stage)
11:00 EVENT ENDS
D. Doggy Oasis -- does your pup need a break or to cool down? Have them relax in the shade or jump in one of our pools at the Wag Hotels Doggy Oasis
E. Sponsor Tents -- our sponsors will have games and giveaways at their tents, check out our Sponsors tab to see a complete listing!
8:00 EVENT PROGRAM (main stage)
8:30 PAWS ALUMNI PHOTO (main stage) For those who have adopted or fostered for PAWS Chicago, join us for our annual Alumni Photo! Even if your dog/cat isn't at the PAWS 5K, you may still join the photo at the main stage. Be sure to bring those red bandanas!
9:00 RIBBON CUTTING FOR WALKERS (start/finish line) Course then opens for walkers and will remain open until 10:30am to complete at your own leisure!
10:30 ROUTE CLOSES
10:45 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET SALES CLOSE
10:55 CLOSING REMARKS AND 50/50 DRAWING (main stage)
11:00 EVENT ENDS
2023 WALK/RUN COURSE MAP
Click HERE to download and print our Route Map!

We will have a main human and pet water station at Mile 1 and pet water stations at Miles 2 and 3. In order to keep participants at a safe distance, we will not have one official start time. Instead, our course will open from 7:30am-10:30am for walkers/runners to complete at their leisure! Please note that for safety reasons, dogs are not allowed for those running, only those walking. 
2023 SITE MAP
Click HERE to download and print our Site Map!


This show where all of our sponsors are located, as well as locations for our Registration/Shirt Pickup, Raffle/Merch sales tents, PUPP-arazzi Station, Dog Agility Course, Doggy Oasis, Hero Hangout, and more!
PARKING
There is plenty of free street parking along Simmonds. Please be aware that lots and some portions of Montrose ARE paid/metered so please pay attention to sign postings.
For the safety of our guests, we will have Medics on site for our human guests and if needed, our Pet Medical Tent sponsored by VEG - Veterinary Emergency Group.