Event Info
Date and Location
- Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby, BC
- Start and finish point: Burnaby Sports Complex – near the playground (view map)
Distances
2.5K FUN
- Open to all fitness levels.
- Perfect for all dog sizes, puppies, seniors (human or canine!), kids, and families.
- Dogs must be at least 4 months old. Up to 2 dogs per human allowed.
- Dogs may wear either a collar or a harness for leash attachment (if walking).
5K Classic
- For more experienced runners and dogs
- Great for active dogs and humans who want a solid workout!
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old. 1 dog per person maximum.
- Dogs must wear a properly fitted harness. Harnesses reduce the risk of injury to your dog’s neck and spine during running.
10K Challenge
- For the most experienced runners and dogs.
- This distance requires endurance and teamwork.
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old. 1 dog per person maximum.
- Dogs must wear a properly fitted harness. Harnesses reduce the risk of injury to your dog’s neck and spine during running.
Package Pickup (Mandatory)
There will be no race day pickup. Please attend one of the following:
Friday, May 22, 2026
🕒 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Bosley’s Metrotown Moneytree
Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Bosley’s Lougheed Hwy
Courses and Schedule
Event Schedule
Note: Teams will be released in small groups to ensure a safe and spacious start for all dogs.
8:35 AM – Welcome speech and warm-up
8:50 AM – 10K staggered heat staging
9:00 AM – 10K run begins (course: loop)
9:10 AM – 5K staggered heat staging
9:20 AM – 5K run begins (course: out and back)
10:15 AM – Winners’ awards
10:30 AM – 10K and 5K courses close
10:35 AM – 2.5K warm-up & staggered heat staging
10:45 AM – 2.5K run begins (course: out and back)
11:00 AM – Dog-friendly marketplace, dog adoption zone, and entertainment continue
11:30 AM – 2.5K course closes
12:00 PM – Event wrap-up
Parking & Arrival
Free parking is available in designated areas around Burnaby Lake Regional Park.
Nearest parking:
Burnaby Lake Parking Lot (approx. 3-min walk)
Overflow parking options:
- Bill Copeland Sports Centre (approx. 7-min walk)
- Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West (approx. 15-min walk)
Please note:
- Parking is limited, especially closer to race start times
- We strongly encourage carpooling when possible and arriving early
- If you are attending without a dog, consider transit or biking
- Do not leave dogs unattended in vehicles
Once you arrive:
- Walk towards the Burnaby Lake Playground to find the event area
- Allow extra time to walk your dog and let them settle in
- Use this time to walk around, check out our pawesome vendors, and take a bathroom break (for you and your dog) before the race
Safety & Protocols
Race day reminders
- If you are running, your dog must wear a properly fitted, back‑clip harness.
- Collar leashes are not allowed due to the risk of neck and spine injury during running.
- Retractable leashes are not allowed.
- Dogs must remain on leash at all times, before, during, and after the race. No exceptions.
- The race will start in small, staggered waves to keep dogs calm and reduce reactivity.
- You’ll be asked for your estimated finishing time, please know this in advance.
- Please pick up after your dog to keep the park and course clean.
- All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, proof may be requested.
Running with your dog protocols
If you are overtaking another participant:
- Clearly communicate your intent to pass
- Use simple cues like: “On your left” or “Passing on your left/right”
- Wait for acknowledgment before passing
- Give the other team a moment to move aside safely
If someone is passing you:
- Acknowledge by raising your hand or giving a quick signal, move to the side of the trail when possible, and keep your dog close and under control
- If your dog is reactive, bring them in close to your side, step aside to allow a safe and smooth pass
Race safety
- First aid will be available on-site
- Volunteers will be positioned along the course
- Clear signage will guide participants
- Announcements will be made throughout the event
Sharing the trail
This is a shared public trail, and other pedestrians and runners will be present.
- Stay in a single line at all times, except when passing
- Keep your dog close when someone approaches
- Always leave enough space for others to pass safely
- Be courteous and aware of pedestrians or other runners
The K9 Run takes place in a natural environment, please help us protect it:
- This event occurs during bird nesting season. Dogs must remain on leash at ALL TIMES and stay on designated trails. Do not allow dogs off-trail at any point
- The 10K route passes near a horse stable (Avalon parking area). You may encounter horses on the trail, please follow these guidelines for sharing trails with horses.
- Burnaby Lake is home to wildlife, including bears. Never approach wildlife. Keep a minimum distance of 100 metres from bears. Bears have the right-of-way. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, keep your dog close, slowly back away and leave the area.
- Clean up after your dog! There will be ZERO tolerance for not picking up waste. You may be disqualified if seen littering or not picking up after your dog.
For all Rules and Safety, please visit k9run.ca/rules