A Sweet Victory: Cookie Run 2025 Draws Enthusiastic Crowd

The rainfall didn’t dampen the spirits of event organizers who gathered at Westfield’s Stanley Park early in the morning on May 10. By the time they had the 2025 Will Run for Cookies Race ready to go at 9am, the rain had stopped and all runners, walkers, family members, friends and dogs were beginning to gather in anticipation of the 10:30am start time.

This year’s Cookie Run set a registration record of more than 600 people before race day, and we couldn’t wait to welcome our two- and four-legged participants!

Friendly faces were everywhere, on both humans and pets. Groups of people prepared to run or walk together, many with their dogs of all breeds, sizes and shapes, while many solo runners or walkers were cheered on by their supporters from the sidelines. Several dogs who had been adopted out through Dakin came over to the registration table with wagging tails to show off their new families and say hello to our team!

Runners kicked off the race at 10:30am, following their 5k route, while walkers took to their 2k route. Before long the first runners were back, and all participants (human and canine) were offered their congratulatory cookie. Big thanks to Stop and Shop in Westfield, Girl Scouts of Western Mass and Trader Joe’s for providing the cookies. Check here for the 2025 race results.

Winners in each bracket were announced and received their medal, which had an eye-catching new design that was cookie-shaped with a little bite taken from it. Matt Peterson of 94.7 WMAS provided the festive music throughout the event.

Thanks to your love of animals and desire to join together for a fun event in a beautiful, blooming park, we were able to raise more than $30,000 to provide care for Dakin’s animals, and support for our many programs and services that keep pets where they belong…with their people. We thank everyone who joined us in Stanley Park, and we hope you had a great day!

Visit our photo gallery to see pics from Will Run for Cookies!