Dogs, a 2.4-Mile Race and Root Beer Floats? Only in Tacoma!

There are plenty of races where the reward for reaching the finish line is a medal, a banana or a bottle of water.

At Tacoma’s Thirsty Dog Run, you can finish alongside your four-legged running partner and celebrate with a root beer float.

Parks Tacoma is bringing the event back to Titlow Park on Saturday, Sept. 5, with the 2.4-mile race beginning at 5 p.m.

And despite the name, owning a dog is not a prerequisite. Participants are welcome to run or walk the course with friends or family even if there isn’t a leash in sight.

The 2.4-mile distance makes the Thirsty Dog Run shorter than a conventional 5K, and Parks Tacoma describes the course as moderate and suitable for runners, walkers, kids and pets.

Participants will start and finish near the lawn outside Titlow Lodge, traveling over a combination of grass, dirt trails and paved pathways. Runners will line up toward the front at the start, with walkers behind them to reduce congestion.

It is still a real race. Participants will be chip timed, with results scheduled to appear online within 48 hours. The top male, female and non-binary finishers will be recognized.

But nobody has to race for a podium spot. Walking the entire course is perfectly acceptable.

Parents should know one limitation before registering: Parks Tacoma says the course is not stroller friendly.

Participants who add a commemorative souvenir cup to their registration can fill it with a root beer float after the race.

Veterans of previous Thirsty Dog Runs can even bring back an old cup and use it again.

Anyone hoping to get a new one this year should act fairly quickly. Parks Tacoma says there are only 72 souvenir cups available for purchase.

Once those are gone, they're gone.

The cup and float are optional. Participants who don't want them can register for the race without the cup and save $15.

Any dog can participate, but four-legged entrants have to remain on leash throughout the event and stay with their human.

Owners are responsible for their pets, and Parks Tacoma says dogs exhibiting aggressive or overly disruptive behavior may be required to leave.

For everyone else, the dog part is optional. People without pets can register and enjoy a rather unusual race populated by plenty of other people's dogs.

Several pet-related organizations and businesses are also scheduled to be on hand, including veterinary and pet-care resources.

Parks Tacoma is capping the Thirsty Dog Run at 250 participants.

If spaces remain, people can register at Titlow on race day between 4 and 4:45 p.m. But if those 250 spots fill beforehand, there will be no day-of registration.

Through Sept. 3, registration is listed at $25 without the souvenir cup and $40 with it. Prices increase closer to the event.

Race packets can be picked up beginning at 4 p.m., one hour before the start. Parking at Titlow is limited, and organizers recommend carpooling.

When: Saturday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m.
Where: Titlow Park & Lodge, 8425 6th Ave., Tacoma
Distance: 2.4 miles
Run or walk: Either
Dogs: Welcome, but not required
Root beer floats: Available with a souvenir cup
Maximum participants: 250
Packet pickup: Begins at 4 p.m.

For once, getting passed on the trail by an enthusiastic Labrador doesn't necessarily mean you're having a bad race.

At this one, it may simply mean you're doing it right.

For more information or to register click here.