Countdown to event
Grab your sneakers, leash up your pup, and get ready for a frightfully fun time at LifeLine Animal Project’s inaugural Spooky Pooch 5K & Fun Walk!
This Halloween-themed celebration for animal lovers, runners, and four-legged friends alike!
Whether you're racing for a new personal best or strolling in costume with your dog, this event is all about community, compassion, and a whole lot of tail wags.
Spooky Pooch features:
- Timed 5K (ages 8+ only)
- 1 Mile Fun Run (all ages)
- Virtual Participation Option
- Costume Contests (for humans & pets!)
- Awards + Prizes for top finishers
- Vendor Village
- Music & Entertainment in the post-race village
All proceeds benefit LifeLine Animal Project, helping us keep pets and families together while saving the lives of thousands of homeless animals across Atlanta.
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Participation Levels
All participants, human or dog, must be registered, regardless of age.
Timed 5K (In-Person) |Ages 8+
Includes: race entry, timing chip, race bib, finisher’s medal, event t-shirt, post-race activities.
- Early Bird: $35 Available through August 28
- General Registration: $40 Available August 29 through October 9
- Last-Minute: $50 Available October 10 through October 20
- T-shirts are not guaranteed by event day for last minute registrations
Fun Run/Walk (In-person) | $30 (limited to 100 registrations) | All ages
- Fun Run participants receive one unisex T-shirt and access to post-race activities
- Finishers medals are not included with fun run registration
- Great for families with small children, older dogs, and participants looking for a lower level of activity.
- Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
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Other Options
Virtual Phantom Runner Option : $35 | All ages
- Includes: Race t-shirt, and medal (shipped with registration)
- See additional information below.
Dog Add-On : $10
Register your pup for just $10 and they’ll receive a spooky bandana!
- One dog per human participant
- To keep all dogs safe and comfortable, we can only allow one dog per registered participant. New environments and crowds can be overwhelming, and this helps ensure every pup has the space they need. Waivers required for all dogs.
Ready to race for a cause? Sign up, suit up, and let’s make this Halloween one to remember!
Virtual Race (all ages): $35
Virtual Race Registration Open Through October 31
Can’t make it to the in-person event? You can still be part of the Spooky Pooch 5K — from wherever you are! Walk, run, or jog on your own schedule while supporting LifeLine’s mission.
How it works:
When registering, select the Virtual Race option.
Choose any location to complete your 5K — your neighborhood, favorite park, local trail, or even your treadmill.
Please note: virtual participants will not join the in-person race at Grant Park.
Use any fitness tracker, smartphone, or smart watch to log your distance.
Complete your race anytime between now and October 31, 2025.
Share your accomplishment by posting a photo on social media using #SpookyPoochATL — we love seeing your spooky spirit!
Virtual registration* includes:
- One unisex race T-shirt
- One finisher’s medal
- Domestic shipping. International shipping available and subject to fees.
*Please note: Virtual race packets will be mailed starting in early October and may take a few days or weeks to arrive via USPS. We are unable to guarantee packet arrival before the in-person race day. Virtual race packets will be mailed to the address you provided at registration. When it has been shipped via USPS starting in October, you will receive an email with your tracking information. This can take up to several days or weeks to arrive. In the meantime, you are welcome to run your virtual 5K at your convenience and post your time before the deadline.
- There are NO refunds for this race if you did not enroll in the Refund Protection Program. Click here for transfer instructions.
- Race Management reserves the right to cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions
- Registration fees are not refundable in the event of cancellation due to "Acts of God".
Early Packet Pick-Up: Skip the Line & Win a Prize!
Get a head start on race day and you might score a little something extra! All early packet pick-up participants will be entered to win a special prize.
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 3 PM – 7 PM
Location: LifeLine's Community Animal Center - 3180 Presidential Dr | Atlanta, GA 30340
Helpful tips:
Picking up for friends or family? Bring their name and confirmation number.
Grabbing packets for a big group? Shoot us an email at spookypooch@lifelineanimal.org ahead of time so we can have everything ready.
Day-Of Packet Pick-Up:
Pro tip: race day can get a little hectic, so we highly recommend picking up early if you can! But if not, we’ve got you covered.
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 7 AM – 8 AM
Location: Chastain Park – near the starting line
Helpful tip:
Picking up for others? Make sure to have their name and confirmation number handy.
SPOOKY POOCH 5K — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Is there a Virtual Race option?
A: Yes! If you can’t make it to Chastain Park, you can still participate by running or walking a 5K anywhere, anytime through October 31. Full details on how the Virtual Race works are available [here].
Q: If I register for the Virtual Race, can I also attend the in-person event?
A: Virtual registration is completely separate. Virtual participants are not able to run on-site at Chastain Park. Only those registered for the in-person 5K (and wearing a race bib) will have access to the course.
Q: Our company, organization, or large group wants to sign up together. What’s the best way to register?
A: We’re excited to have you join us!
- If individuals are covering their own registrations: each person should register separately and include your group name during registration. Group leaders can email spookypooch@lifelineanimal.org if you’d like to request a full roster of your team’s registered participants.
- If your company or group is paying for everyone: email spookypooch@lifelineanimal.org and we’ll help coordinate bulk registration and payment.
- For groups picking up multiple race packets, please email us in advance so we can have everything ready.
Q: What kind of weather should we expect?
A: Welcome to Atlanta! Late October weather ranges from cool and fall-like, to warm and late spring-like. The event happens rain or shine, but any major weather-related updates will be emailed and posted on our event site.
Q: Can I cancel my registration or transfer it to someone else?
A: Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
RACE DAY QUESTIONS
Q: What time should I arrive?
A: We recommend arriving by 7:00 AM to allow plenty of time for parking, packet pick-up, and getting to the start line.
Q: Where is parking located?
A: Parking will be available near Chastain Park. Complete parking instructions and maps will be shared as we get closer to race day.
Q: Will there be bathrooms?
A: Yes! Restrooms and portable toilets will be available near the start/finish area.
Q: Can I bring my dog? My stroller?
A: Of course! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are absolutely welcome (this is Spooky Pooch after all). All dogs must be registered and waivers signed.
Strollers are allowed, but we kindly ask that participants with strollers line up toward the back to help keep the course safe for all runners and walkers.
Q: Can I wear headphones?
A: You may wear headphones, but please stay alert to your surroundings, especially with dogs, kids, and other participants on the course.
Q: How is the race timed?
A: All participants will receive a chip-timed bib for official race results.
Q: Is there a course map available?
A: Yes! The finalized course map will be available on the event website ahead of race day.
Q: Does this race qualify for the Peachtree Road Race?
A: The Spooky Pooch 5K is not a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race.
Q: Is there a bag check?
A: There will not be a bag check available, so please plan accordingly and only bring what you’re comfortable carrying.
Q: Will food and drinks be available?
A: Light snacks and water will be provided for registered participants after the race (while supplies last).
Q: Is there a rain date?
A: The race will happen rain or shine. In case of severe weather, updates will be shared and participants will have the option to complete their race virtually.
Q: Can my friends and family come watch?
A: Absolutely! Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants along the course.
Q: Can I wear a costume?
A: 100% yes — both people and pets are encouraged to show off their best spooky (or silly) costumes!
Contact information
- Event contact
- Jordan Marsh
- Website
- Visit website
