Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary will be holding its 22nd Annual 5K Run for the Animals and 1-Mile Fun Walk on Sunday, May 18th. All funds raised will go towards the lifesaving work Poplar Spring does every day. The funds care and feed the rescued animals that live at Poplar Spring, as well as educate the public about compassion towards all animals.

RACE OPTIONS

We are happy to announce that the Run for the Animals will be held in-person. We are also offering the option of a virtual race. What this means is that if you prefer to complete a 5K run or a walk on your own, you can do so anytime during the week of May 18th.

SUPPORTING THE SANCTUARY

This is the only event Poplar Spring has at this time of the year, and the funds that are raised are vital to continuing to help feed and care for all the rescued animals. Most of the animals at the sanctuary have come from situations of extreme cruelty and have taught us what it means to endure and to be forgiving. We are extremely grateful for your participation, and of any fundraising you are motivated to do. Great vegan prizes are awarded to the top fundraisers.

MATCHING DONATIONS

Poplar Spring was given $10,000 in matching donations. DOUBLING your donation! Please share this page with your family and friends. Your involvement is critical to Poplar Spring’s success. Thank you for all your help.

When:
The in-person date and time is Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.
The virtual race is anytime during the week of May 18th.

Where:
Wheaton Regional Park
2000 Shorefield Road
Wheaton, MD US 20902
Shorefield Road is off Georgia Avenue. It IS NOT the park entrance off Arcola Avenue.

Registration Fee:
Registration Fee for both the Run and Walk prior to April 6, 2025: $28.00
April 6 – May 17, 2025: $30.00
Race Day: $35

Timing:
Chips will be distributed to all runners.

Prizes:
Monetary prizes are given to the top 3 overall male and female finishers. Awards are also given to the top team, and top male and female finishers in the following age categories: 13 and under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39,40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older.

Prizes are awarded to the top three fundraisers!

Team Scoring:
The winning team is based on the top two finishing male and top two finishing female runners.

Packet Pickup:
Packet Pick-up will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 – 2:00 at RnJ Sports, 11910 Parklawn Drive Rockville, MD 20852. We will have some great goodie bag items, where participants choose the items they would like.

Packet Pick-up is also held on race day, Sunday, May 18, at Wheaton Regional Park from 6:30 a.m. until the start of the race at 8:00 a.m.

Additional Information:
The emcee for the race is Lisa Berigan!!! Lisa has over 20 years experience hosting radio shows including most recently as a radio host at BIG 100.3 and is the proud companion to her beautiful dog Riley.

View the race course map

Click Here to Register

Race participants go the extra mile by raising additional funds online for Poplar Spring.

You may even select a picture of a specific Poplar Spring animal to proudly display on your web page, letting your friends and family know about that animal and others at the sanctuary.

If you are interested in raising additional funds you can use the following sample e-mails to send to your friends and family: Sponsorship e-mail / Sponsorship e-mail referencing a specific animal

Prizes are awarded to the top two fundraisers who raised the most donations for Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary!