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BARK & BOLT RACES

Presented by Hunter Subaru


Unleash the Fun at this Dog-Friendly Race Event


JUNE 13, 2025

The Bark and Bolt race in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is a heartwarming event that brings together both paws and people. This unique race allows dogs and their owners to celebrate physical fitness and outdoor activity together. Don't have a dog? You're still welcome to participate! With its lively atmosphere and the joyful barks of four-legged participants, the Bark and Bolt race is an exciting race for everyone.

Permit pending government approvals  | Race date & course subject to change

why you'll love this race:

  • An amazing summer evening event with so many cute dogs!
  • A free, custom race shirt when you register before the deadline ($20 after)
  • A free, commemorative dog tag medal for the first 175 human finishers
  • A free, commemorative bandana for each pet that participates
  • 3 different race formats offering a variety of distances
  • The “Bark in the Park Dog Fair” with pet-friendly vendors, businesses and local organizations.
  • Awards for the top finishers in each race
  • A well-marked course with professional chip-timed results (5K only)
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What our runners are saying...

"It was amazing. My dog was recognized and showcased, which made me so happy. We really enjoyed the event, the people, and the course!"

"I really enjoyed the run and having my dog recognized! We loved it."

"I so love to see children, dogs and elderly people all participate!"

"Dog friendly, family friendly, and beginner friendly!"

"Fun, smooth course. It was pretty!"

"An amazing idea to help different pet-friendly institutions."

    The Course

    All races will begin and end in Hendersonville’s Patton Park. The 5K course is a scenic, out and back route that follows the Oklawaha Greenway. There are some moderate hills but the majority of the course is flat. The 1-mile race also follows the Greenway and has one hill just before the finish. It too is on paved surfaces and both courses will have a single water station along the route. The Paw Pursuit 100 Meter Dash is our shortest race for the most well-behaved pups. It’s a quick sprint where dogs run alongside their owners to demonstrate their speed and agility. Dogs will be divided into three weight classes: Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight.

    5K  |  3.1 Miles

    Start Time
    6:45PM

    VIEW GPS ROUTE

    1 Mile

    Start Time
    6:00PM

    VIEW GPS ROUTE

    Paw Pursuit | 100M

    Start Time
    6:30PM

    Bark in the Park Dog Fair

    We’re ecstatic to be hosting the Bark in the Park Dog Fair alongside the Bark & Bolt event, and you are woofingly welcome to join us! The fair will be located in the field at Patton Park, near the Start/Finish Line and will run from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

    With so many pup-sitively pet-friendly vendors, this is sure to be a tail-wagging event for all. If your business or organization is interested in becoming a pawtner of this event, please contact us at support@idaph.net.

    We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friends with open arms!

    OUR PRESENTING PARTNER

    This event would not be possible without the generous support of Hunter Subaru. Since 1940, the Hunter Automotive Group has been a locally owned and operated business in Western North Carolina. It is their mission to improve the quality of life for their employees, customers, and the surrounding community. We are grateful for their participation and admire the uplifting attitude they bring to our event.

    Our Community Partner

    All signature iDaph events partner with local organizations to help advance their mission. Supporting these causes strengthens our community bonds by addressing the unique challenges and needs within our area. It ensures that resources are allocated where they can have the most direct and tangible impact, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents.

    Blue Ridge Humane Society is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities through adoption, outreach, and education. Prior to adoption, each animal is provided with all the appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, dewormed, and is spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan. They are committed to finding lifelong homes for every pet. Screening and counseling of potential families contribute to our successful adoptions.

    WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

    Spend the Weekend

    An Authentic Mountain Destination

    If you're not from here, you're going to love visiting here. Experience the thrill of running or cycling amidst the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina, where the rugged mountains and pristine landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. We invite you to make our event your ultimate destination race. Our Visitor’s Guide features lodging options, airport info, and the inside scoop on what to see and do while you’re here.

    View our Visitor's Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions