Runners laced up their shoes, clipped on leashes and hit the streets Saturday, May 16, as the Village of Palos Park hosted its fourth annual Doggie Dash, a community race designed for people and their four-legged companions.
The event, organized by the village’s Department of Recreation and Parks, drew dozens of participants and their dogs for a morning that blended fitness, fun and a shared love of pets. Director Stephen DeFalco said the idea behind the Doggie Dash was simple: create an event where the entire family, including the ones with paws, could take part.
“With so many 5K races in the area, this one offers something different,” DeFalco said. “It gives families a chance to be outside together with their dogs and be part of the community.”
The Doggie Dash, which began in 2023, featured both a 5K and a one-mile walk, allowing participants to choose their pace and level of involvement. This year, more than 50 dogs were registered across the two races, with additional pets joining in post-race activities.
DeFalco said the event grew out of personal experience. As a dog owner, he often found himself leaving his pets at home while attending races, festivals and other community gatherings. When village officials began exploring ways to reintroduce a race, Palos Park previously hosted a color run, DeFalco proposed a dog-friendly alternative after seeing similar events succeed elsewhere in Illinois.
That idea has since grown into a signature event for the village.
Participants made their way along a scenic course winding through Palos Park’s tree-lined streets, while others gathered nearby to enjoy a pet-focused festival atmosphere. The event also welcomed those who preferred not to run, offering a pup parade and a small market area where visitors could mingle with fellow dog lovers.
Palos Park resident Sandra Froylan attended the event with her one-year-old Mini Bernedoodle, Mylo.
“This is a great experience and it’s fun to do something different,” Froylan said.
Between 25 and 40 participants typically take part in the parade and related activities, which this year included a canine-themed art station and an agility course for dogs to test their skills.
DeFalco said the event filled a gap in the crowded race calendar by offering a welcoming space for pet owners. Nationally, he noted, a significant portion of households include at least one dog, yet many public events remain off-limits to them.
“We wanted to make space for our four-legged family members,” he said.
