Bark in the Park Returns May 17 with New “Fast & Furless 5K” — No Dog Required

Organizers hope to raise over $100,000 to support thousands of animals in need.

Greenhill Humane Society’s annual  Bark in the Park event returns to Alton Baker Park on Sunday, May 17. The event regularly draws over 1,100 people and their pups, and Greenhill hopes to expand attendance this year with a new “Fast and Furless 5K” for individuals who would prefer to run without dogs on the course. 

“Bark in the Park is known for being the largest pet-friendly running event in Lane County,” said Kelly Fleischmann, Greenhill’s Outreach and Events Manager. “Our goal is to raise over $100,000 this year, and to do that we need more runners than last year.”   

The new humans only, Fast and Furless 5K race event starts off in Alton Baker Park earlier than its dog-friendly counterparts, and the Bark in the Park 5K and 10K courses take advantage of Eugene’s scenic Riverfront Park. All the courses are professionally chip-timed by Eclectic Edge Racing. 

“We are excited to see everyone at the event this year. There’s something for everyone. Whether you are interested in running or walking the races, have a dog to bring, or just want to spend time visiting the vendors, this is a family-friendly event, and everyone is invited!”

– Kelly Fleischmann, Outreach and Events Manager, Greenhill Humane Society

Festivities at Bark in the Park include timed 2K, 5K, and 10K runs, canine activities, vendor booths, human and dog food options, demonstrations, contests, prizes, and more.  

Participants are encouraged to fundraise. 100% of donations help animals in need. For perspective: 

• Every $5 raised can help feed an animal for a day. 
• Every $15 raised can help provide a microchip for a companion animal. 
• Every $35 raised can help provide vaccines. 
• Every $75 raised can help provide a spay or neuter surgery. 

This year, Greenhill hopes to raise $100,000. The shelter relies on donations and grants for much of its funding, which is used for a variety of services and resources for the animals and the community. In addition to caring for over 5,000 homeless, lost, and neglected animals, Greenhill’s programs include adoption services, humane education, a Community Pet Pantry, domestic violence assistance, senior assistance, pet retention assistance, spay/neuter programs, disaster response, volunteer opportunities, and foster care opportunities. 

Event details: Register and learn more about Bark in the Park here.   

When: Sunday, May 17, 2026. Activities begin at 7:00AM, with festivities concluding at 12:00PM 

Where: Alton Baker Park 

Pre-registration price: Pre-registration is open until Saturday, May 16

• Adults (13-64) are $35  
• Seniors (65+) are $25
• Children 12 and under are free to register 

Registration fees include a doggie bandana, and event t-shirts can be purchased for $20 while supplies last. 

Day-of registration price:

• Adults (13-64) are $40
• Seniors (65+) are $30
• Children 12 and under register for free 

Fundraising registration (raising money but not participating in the event) is free. 

 More about Greenhill Humane Society
Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944. It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations. Greenhill is located at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. We envision a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect. In 2025, Greenhill assisted over 5,900 animals through our life-saving programs. Greenhill dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, receive recommended vaccinations, and are microchipped. To learn more or view adoptable animals, visit www.green-hill.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.