As part of the Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, we will be hosting several runs for all ages including Richmond’s first-ever Canicross event which is a team sport consisting of a person and a dog running together. Originating in Europe, Canicross is relatively unheard of in the United States until NOW!! Be one of the first to enjoy this amazing new sport.

In addition to the Canicross event, we will have a dog-friendly 5K and kid’s mile.

Why We Race

All Live Red Foundation events provide the funding for Live Red Foundation’s free fitness programs which teach life skills to children in low-opportunity communities. Learn more >>

The Venue

The race will be held at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds located at 10300 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

Chesterfield Outdoor Fest

This event will kick off Chesterfield County’s Outdoor Fest which will be held at the Fairgrounds and include entertainment, food trucks and outdoor activities, as well as demonstrations from Parks and Recreation and Cooperative Extension.

Race Options

We will have an official Canicross 5k, dog-friendly 5k, and a kid’s 1-mile for kids 15 years old and younger as part of this event:

Canicross 5k: This course is a trail run which contains grass, dirt, roots, and some pavement. All participants must use a non-restrictive harness for the dog, hands-free waist belt for the human, bungee line connecting dog to human. The dog should not lag behind the human runner at any time. Learn more about this >>
Dog Friendly 5k: This course will take place predominately on a paved path with a small section on well-groomed dirt and is open to all runners (with and without dogs). Requirements for those with dogs: No haltis (or other head/mouth-based harnesses) while running and no extendable leashes or leashes over 6ft.
Kid’s Mile: This course will take place on a mix of paved path and well-groomed dirt and is open to all runners 15 years old or younger.

Race Courses

The 5k & Kid’s Mile courses are flat and fast on predominately a paved path with some on well-groomed dirt. The 5k starts and finishes with a loop of the Fairgrounds followed by an out and back loop along a beautiful paved bike/walk trail before completing another loop of the fairgrounds and crossing the finish line. The Kid’s Mile is simply one loop of the Fairgrounds which is super spectator-friendly. The Canicross 5k is a trail run which contains grass, dirt, roots, and some pavement.

Race Day Schedule

7:00-8:00 am – Packet Pick Up & Race Day Registration
8:00 am – Canicross 5k Start
8:40 am – Kid’s 1 Mile Start
9:00 am – Dog-Friendly 5k Start
9:45 am – Awards (approximate, after last finisher)
10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Chesterfield Outdoor Fest

All races will be chipped-timed and have a rolling start based on event size. Canicross will send two dogs/runners at a time in 10-second intervals. We will break up people into groups based on estimated finish times to pace our runners and prevent competitor congestion.

Dog Policy

Although this is a dog friendly event, we have a “NO GREET” POLICY. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and under handlers’ control at all times including in the parking lot and the event area. Dogs should not interact with other dogs or humans while attending our event. Muzzles are allowed and can be worn on the course if the dog has ample room for panting. Remember, YOU are responsible for your dog’s actions at all times.

Finisher’s Medals & Awards

Every finisher will receive a finisher’s medal. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall in the Kid’s Mile, Canicross 5k, and Dog-Friendly 5k as well as a variety of age group categories.