Carrollton Tails & Trails: A Furry 5K for a Good Cause

The City invites everyone to join the third annual Carrollton Tails & Trails, a 5K race that welcomes runners, walkers, and their four-legged friends on Saturday, June 6 at 8 a.m.

The event is also at a new location inside the Josey Ranch Sports Complex (1440 Keller Springs Road). The race is a revamped version of the popular Carrollton Trails 5K with the focus on celebrating the community's canine companions and the great outdoors.

Runners can challenge their best time along the concrete Hutton Branch Green Trail. The course is geared toward people of every fitness level and makes a leisurely loop around Josey Ranch Lake. Participants can enjoy the fresh air and the company of their furry pals, while also supporting a noble cause.

Registration is now open, so sign up today at cityofcarrollton.com/tailsandtrails. All net proceeds from the race will benefit the Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center, which provides shelter and care for furry friends in need. Donations will also be gratefully accepted on race day at check-in. Come to run, walk, or cheer.

The fun doesn't stop at the finish line. There will be a post-race celebration with games, music, and an awards ceremony. The event also features a Fun Run/Walk for those who prefer a shorter distance or a more leisurely pace. The whole family is welcome to join, especially the canine kids. The Fun Run/Walk is not a timed event, and no awards will be given.

On race day, participants should park at the Josey Ranch Sports Complex (1440 Keller Springs Road). Race day registration and warmup will be held from 7-7:45 a.m. before the race begins at 8 a.m. The Fun Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 9 a.m.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female runners, and medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category of the 5K competitive run (10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over). Dogs are welcome but are not required to register for the event. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the race for all participants.

5K Runners who register at cityofcarrollton.com/tailsandtrails by Monday, June 1 are guaranteed a race T-shirt. All participants will receive a race packet. Bibs and timing chips are only for 5K participants, since the Fun Run/Walk is not timed. Any changes made to a registration after Tuesday, June 2 will incur a $5 change fee. Packet pickup will be Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Rosemeade Recreation Center (1330 E. Rosemeade Parkway).

*The Group rate is a maximum of six people. All r egistration prices shown include the processing fee.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the event. Being a vendor at special events is a unique opportunity to showcase company products or services to a captive audience in a memorable setting. Don't miss the chance to partner with the City as a Carrollton Tails & Trails 5K sponsor and get involved in the fun. Sponsors to date are Barbosa Plumbing & Air Conditioning, Raising Cane's Carrollton, Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Carrollton and Carrollton Conference Center, FASTSIGNS^® of Carrollton, TX, and Julie Stauss Realtor.

Can't run in the race, but still want to contribute? Donations of Purina Dog Chow dry dog food, or Special Kitty dry cat food, non-clumping kitty litter, specialty food such as any canned puppy or kitten food, cleaning supplies, and more will be accepted at Carrollton Animal Services (2247 Sandy Lake Road), Crosby Recreation Center (1610 E. Crosby Road), and Rosemeade Recreation Center (1330 E. Rosemeade Parkway) leading up to the race. For a complete list of items needed, call 972-466-3420. For donations in a fixed amount of $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, or more, visit cityofcarrollton.com/ASdonations. All donations go directly to the care of animals.