How do I register?

Registration is online, through RaceWire. Early Bird Registration runs through April 14th, 2023. Online pre-registration closes May 6, 2023, at 5 pm. Day-of registration will be available at the registration booth from 9 am-10 am on May 7, 2023.

What does it cost to register?

Early Bird Registration:

$20 - 12 years and younger

$30 - students, seniors, and veterans

$35 - adult registration

ALL registrations go up $5 on April 15, 2023.

Will Run for Cookies takes place rain or shine with no refunds. In the event of lightning, we will postpone the race at increments of 30 minutes until it's deemed safe to proceed.

What's included in my registration?

Early bird registration includes an event shirt and a cookie for human and dog participants.

General registration includes a cookie for human and dog participants. Event shirts are not guaranteed if registered after April 14, 2023.

What time does registration begin?

Check-in and registration will be from 9 am-10 am on May 7, 2023 at Stanley Park, Westfield at the Beveridge Pavilion.

How do I interact with other participants?

We have a private Facebook Group for participants of Will Run For Cookies! Simply join our Facebook group to be part of the conversation.

Pet photo sharing is encouraged! This page is designed to allow you to encourage each other, stay up to date on the most recent event news, and participate in fun contests to win prizes!

I don't have a dog - can I still participate?

YES! In fact, we ENCOURAGE you to participate! Whether you participate in our 5k or 2k with or without a dog or get active to honor animals, we encourage every single animal lover to join!

What time does the race begin?

Race start is at 10:30 am and the awards ceremony will take place at the close of the race with winners announced around 11:15 am.

Is this a timed 5K run?

Yes, if you are participating in our 5k, you will be provided with a race bib that includes chip timing. The Will Run For Cookies 5k has a staggered start time to provide the most accurate results. See the race lineup below.

What about the 2K? Is it timed?

No, our 2k is intended for casual runners and or walkers who would like to participate in Will Run For Cookies at a shorter distance. Our 2k participants will not be timed.

What is the 5K race lineup?

Below is the line up of groups at the start line for the 5k. There will be a minute between each group's start time in order to give participants the best possible results for accurate timing. The line up is as follows:

• 1st Group: Runners without dogs (timed)
• 2nd Group: Runners with dogs (timed)
• 3rd Group: Walkers with and without dogs (please be aware that all timed bib participants- including walkers- must follow the 5k route. Please note that the finish line, timing, and photos will be closing at 12:00 p.m. whether participants have crossed)

What are the prize categories?

We have several prize categories. Dakin welcomes participants of any gender identity. The gender field is not required during registration, but some prize categories are based on the selection. This year, we will recognize our overall First and Second place race winners (gender neutral). We will also recognize First Place for age range (both male and female) in the following age categories:

• 12 & under
• 13 - 19
• 20 - 29
• 30 - 39
• 40 - 49
• 50 - 59
• 60 +

We will also recognize the top 2 individual fundraisers, the top 2 fundraising teams, and the best-dressed team at the event.

Please note that our deadline for recognition as a top fundraiser or fundraising team is Friday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. Donations will be accepted through May 7th to qualify for the Beanies for Beanie challenge, but for top fundraiser recognition, please make sure your donations are in by the Friday deadline. Please see more information on fundraising, including cash/check donation deadlines below.

Why are you asking me to fundraise in addition to registration?

Your registration fee helps cover our costs for the event. By fundraising for Dakin Humane Society, you help raise critical funds to give animals the food, shelter, and medical treatment they need. Every dollar you raise goes towards creating happier and healthier lives for animals right here in our community. Your impact will quickly add up! Just $50 helps provide 100 meals for pets when their families face financial hardship.

Your fundraising efforts will make sure vulnerable animals get the help they need through Dakin’s programs and services to find their path to better tomorrows.

How do I start fundraising?

After you register for Will Run For Cookies, we encourage you to start a Facebook fundraiser.

Make sure to change your Facebook fundraiser's end date to May 7, 2023.

If registering as a team select a Team Captain to start a fundraiser using your Team Name in the fundraising title (This will help you keep track of your whole team's fundraising efforts to reach your goals!). The money you raise will help Dakin’s Kitten Street Team and other programs help kittens, like Beanie. Read more about Beanie.

Here is a quick and easy way to raise $100 to support animals at Dakin:

How do I set up a Facebook fundraiser?

Creating a Facebook Fundraiser is quick and easy. Get started here.

Remember to change your end date to May 7th, 2023.

If registering as a team, select a Team Captain to start a fundraiser using your Team Name in the fundraising title. This will help you keep track of your whole team's fundraising efforts to reach your goals! You can do this by customizing the name on the left sidebar when setting up your fundraiser in the section “What’s the title of your fundraiser?”

What do I do with cash/check donations?

All mail-in donations with tracking form must be delivered by May 1, 2023 at P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.

We highly encourage online donations in order to properly record each participant's fundraising efforts. We cannot guarantee offline, mail-in donations will be assigned to a registered participant without this proper documentation.

Alternatively, you may deliver your cash/check donations to the incentives tables on May 7, 2023. In order to qualify as a top fundraiser or top fundraising team, please note the deadline is May 5, 2023, at 5 pm for totals.

What are the fundraising incentives?

Join our Beanies for Beanie fundraising challenge! Any individual participating in Will Run For Cookies that raises a minimum of $100 will qualify to receive a blue beanie hat to wear at the event. If fundraising as a team, each $100 will earn one beanie that is capped at the number of team members (ex. A team of 3 that raises $500 would receive 3 beanies. A team of 7 that raises $300 will receive 3 beanies).  We hope race participants will wear their blue beanies to form a sea of compassion for all animals in need like Beanie!

Who is Beanie and what does "Beanies for Beanies" mean?

Beanie is a kitten who was rescued by Dakin’s Kitten Street Team just days before a snowstorm in January 2022. She was brought to Dakin for care along with her three siblings. By raising money for Dakin, you can qualify to receive a blue beanie hat that not only keeps your head warm but also helps the Kitten Street Team bring kittens in from the cold.

By fundraising for Dakin Humane Society, you are helping give animals the food, shelter, and medical treatment they need. Every dollar you raise goes towards creating happier and healthier lives for animals right here in our community. Helping animals and people is a value deeply rooted in our mission and is the reason why many of Dakin’s programs and services exist. We envision a world where services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all, and companion animals are no longer vulnerable.

How do incentives work when fundraising for a team?

Our incentives are set up for individual fundraising. Each person who individually raises $100 will qualify for a beanie hat. If fundraising as a team, each $100 will earn one beanie that is capped at the number of team members (ex. A team of 3 that raises $500 would receive 3 beanies. A team of 7 that raises $300 will receive 3 beanies). These hats will not be available for purchase.

I raised $200. Will I receive two beanie hats?

The exclusive blue beanie is available for fundraisers who raise $100. By reaching this goal you qualify to share your support of kittens, like Beanie, with a beanie hat. Only one beanie per fundraiser. However, for teams fundraising together, each $100 raised will earn one beanie but is capped at the number of team members (ex. A team of 3 that raises $500 would receive 3 beanies. A team of 7 that raises $300 will receive 3 beanies).

When will we receive our incentives?

Incentives will be available for pick up on May 7, 2023, at the Will Run For Cookies 5k. If you are unable to pick up your incentive on race day, please email kholloway@dakinhumane.org by May 6, 2023.