run your mutt off 5K Run/Walk

Date:  Saturday, October 26, 2024

Event Timeline: 

8:00 a.m. - Registration opens

9:00 a.m. - Fun run/walk begins and FLEAless market opens

12:00 p.m. - Event Concludes


Where:  St James Farm Forest Preserve, 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville (enter at the Butterfield entrance) Click here for map.

Run Your Mutt Off 5K benefiting the Naperville Area Humane Society is one of the Western Suburbs' most popular dog-friendly fundraising events of the year. Each year, hundreds of animal lovers enjoy a day of fun to save pets' lives. This family-friendly untimed fun run/walk welcomes animal lovers and athletes of all experience levels. The event also features a FLEAless market with vendors offering an assortment of goods and services. All participants will receive complimentary samples, swag items, coupons, and more! 100% of the funds raised from Run Your Mutt Off directly benefit the homeless cats and dogs Naperville Area Humane Society cares for 365 days a year.

Don't miss a celebration of community and companionship!

Pet costume contest. Here’s how it works:  When you register, be sure to check yes or no if you will be participating.  Then come to the event with your pet dressed up and ready to strut their stuff. If you really want to go all out, dress up with your pet!

COST: $25 (Ages 13 & Up) / Day of event $30 $15 (Ages 5-12) / Day of event $20 FREE (Ages 4 and under) Whether you are a virtual participant, a walker or runner, or just attending, the fees are the same for all depending on the age group you are in.

SHOULD I RAISE MORE THAN JUST THE REGISTRATION FEE? YES, absolutely! Run Your Mutt Off is one our biggest fundraisers of the year and we encourage all participants to, not only register for the event, but fundraise as well.  Help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000 to give more animals the second chances they deserve, all while having tons of fun at the best animal get-together in town.  Read more about how to become a PAWsome Fundraiser below.

Please note that RYMO will be held rain or shine. Well-socialized dogs are welcome, please no retractable leashes.

enter to win a ‘Ultimate dog’ halloween-themed package valued at $250!

This package has everything you need to keep your furry friend's tail wagging throughout the spooky season. Featuring a $100 Out-U-Go! gift certificate good for five walks, yummy soft treats, dog toys, nylabones, and day-to-day dog essentials - your best friend will be doing tricks for treats all season long!

Includes:

  • $100 Out-U-Go! Gift Certificate (*Good for five walks) 

  • Wicked Cute Witch Dog Toy 

  • Spider Dog Toy

  • Nightmare Before Christmas Dog Collar - Size Large

  • Dirty Dog Doormat 

  • Natural Pet Collagen Donut

  • Wellness Tiny Trainer Tender Treats with Turkey and Pomegranate

  • Wellness Soft Wellbites with Chicken and Venison 

  • Two Nylabones

  • Lick Mat

  • Eight Pack of Poop Bags

  • Poop Bag Holder

Value: $250

How to Purchase Raffle Ticket(s):

Pre-event: To purchase your raffle ticket(s) online, please click the link below and fill out the information. *The online raffle ticket purchase link will close Friday, October 25 at 3 p.m. 

Day of Event 10/26: Raffle tickets will be available for purchase in person with cash or card at Run Your Mutt Off 5K on Saturday, October 26. 

  • 1 Ticket for $10

  • 3 Tickets for $25

  • 8 Tickets for $30

The winner will be announced on Saturday, October 26 at our Run Your Mutt Off 5K event. The winning individual does not need to be present and will be notified on Monday, October 28, 2024. This prize is not eligible for shipping and must be picked up from the Naperville Area Humane Society no later than Monday, November 4, 2024.


100% of the raffle ticket sales benefit the animals at the Naperville Area Humane Society. 

Please click the image below to purchase your raffle ticket(s).

BECOME A PAWsome FUNDRAISER!

Just like when creating a Facebook birthday fundraiser, you can create what we like to call a PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser.

Personal fundraising enables people to ask their family, friends and coworkers to help them raise funds by donating directly to their Facebook Fundraiser.  After you have registered for the event, simply create your PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser, by clicking the button below.  Be sure to name your fundraiser Run Your Mutt Off for Naperville Area Humane Society. Then share it by posting to your Facebook page or sending out an email (or both) and begin accepting donations online, it’s that simple. Be sure to send out posts leading up to the event, reminding family and friends to donate to your fundraiser. 

WHAT IF I HAVE CASH OR CHECK DONATIONS TO ADD TO MY FUNDRAISER? Don’t wait to turn your cash donations in on the day of the event, just donate the amount to your Facebook Fundraiser.  If you have any checks please mail them in advance so they can be counted to your fundraising. When mailing them in, please fill out the donation tracking form and send it in with your check(s) as well as any matching gift forms. If you prefer to drop off the day of the event you can do so at registration check-in. 

Sponsorship & vendor opportunities

Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to reach out to animal lovers and find an audience that believes deeply in animal welfare. But probably the greatest reward is knowing your sponsorship enables NAHS to continue to save the lives of homeless animals and give them a second chance.

Sponsorship Levels: $2,500 - Best In Show $1,000 - Alpha Dog $500 - Top Dog $100 - Tail Wagger (*Vendor only)

Click here to download our sponsorships & vendor package.

If you are interested in becoming a Run Your Mutt Off sponsor or a vendor at our FLEAless market, please contact cnatarelli@naperhumane.org

Frequently asked questions

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A PET IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE? No, everyone is welcome to participate — with or without a pet! 

CAN I BRING MY DOG WITH ME? Yes! We encourage you to come Run Your Mutt Off with your dog! We do however ask that you follow our pet guidelines when bringing your dog.

  • All dogs must be on a 6ft non-retractable leash.

  • You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. (Please bring bags).

  • All dogs must be non-aggressive towards dogs and people.

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER EVERYONE WALKING, INCLUDING MY CHILDREN? Everyone participating, ages 5 and up must be registered. Registering helps NAHS save thousands of homeless pets each year, and we encourage participants to create a PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser to help us save even more! 

CAN I JUST WATCH WITHOUT REGISTERING? Anyone attending will need to register for RYMO. Your registration fee covers the cost of the event. Plus, fundraising helps us provide food, medical care, vaccinations and helps our animals find their forever home.

IS THERE A PACKET TO PICK UP IF I AM RUNNING? No, the run portion of the event is just for fun.  There will be no official timing. 

WHAT DOES THE ROUTE LOOK LIKE? Click here to view a map of the route. Runners will line up first with walkers to follow. Click here to view a map of where to enter and park.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? Rain or shine, we'll have a great time! Wonderful things happen when animal lovers come together, no matter the circumstances. Check the weather before you arrive, and dress accordingly.

WHERE SHOULD I SEND CASH AND CHECK DONATIONS? Please mail all offline donations (cash and checks) with your completed donation tracking form as well as any matching gift forms to the address below. These funds will be added to your PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser total.

Naperville Area  Humane Society
Attn: RYMO Donations
1620 W. Diehl
Naperville, IL  60563

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA, HOW CAN I COVER THE EVENT, GET PHOTOS, INTERVIEWS, OR LOGOS? Naperville Area Humane Society can accommodate reporters, photographers, and videographers throughout the day. Our staff will be available for interviews and photography. Please email us at admin@naperhumane.org with any questions.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Please email our Administrative Team at admin@naperhumane.org.

Thank you to our sponsors

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