Countdown to event
Leader Dogs for the Blind, together with presenting sponsor Chief Financial Credit Union, is thrilled to announce the return of the Bark & Brew 5K! Kick off your summer with a fun and scenic run through Downtown Rochester, MI. All proceeds from the Bark & Brew 5K directly support Leader Dog’s life‑changing programs and services, provided at no cost to people who are blind or have low vision.
Race Features
- V.I.PAW – As a VIP, you will receive a 2026 branded Bark & Brew 5K pint glass and Velour Fingertip Sport Towel, along with your race bib, shirt, medal, and post-race beverage/food item. This category is capped at 400 registrants.
- Beautiful Course – The 2026 5K course will guide runners through Downtown Rochester, leading into Rochester Municipal Park along Paint Creek. Participants will then transition onto the Paint Creek Trail, passing the Rochester Library and crossing University Drive before reaching the finish line near the Rochester Mills Beer Company.
- Post-Race Party – After the race, celebrate your achievement with a complimentary beverage from Rochester Mills Beer Company or Starbucks Coffee, and a taste of Jersey Mike's subs or a Knapp's Donut. No matter your choice, enjoy the moment while soaking in the amazing sounds of DJ Mike. The Post-Race Party is located at Rochester Mills Beer Company from 9 AM to 12 PM.
In-person participants also receive a race t-shirt, large medal, race bib, and a coupon for a free, age-appropriate beverage and food item at the Post-Race Party.
After completing your race, head over to the Bark & Brew Event Site in Downtown Rochester to redeem your free beverage coupon! Have your non-running friends and family join you at the Bark & Brew event and continue the fun throughout the morning.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K VIP Package (In-Person Only) Spots remaining: 301
Price changes in 1 month 1 day-
V.I.PAW – As a VIP, you will receive a 2026 branded Bark & Brew 5K pint glass and Velour Fingertip Sport Towel, along with your race bib, shirt, medal, and post-race beverage/food item. This category is capped at 400 registrants.
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Register for 5K VIP Package (In-Person Only)$39.44
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Now registering Jan 30 – Apr 30 -
$44.79
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
May 1 – May 31 -
$50.14
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Jun 1 – Jun 6 -
$55.49
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Jun 7 – Jun 7
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5K Basic Package (In-Person Only) Spots remaining: 590
Price changes in 1 month 1 day-
Basic Package includes a race t-shirt, large medal, race bib, and a coupon for a free, age-appropriate beverage and food item at the Post-Race Party.
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Register for 5K Basic Package (In-Person Only)$28.74
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Now registering Jan 30 – Apr 30 -
$34.09
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
May 1 – May 31 -
$39.44
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Jun 1 – Jun 6 -
$44.79
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Jun 7 – Jun 7
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Virtual 5K Spots remaining: 42
Virtual 5K includes a race t-shirt, large medal, race bib, and shipping.
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Register for Virtual 5K$44.79
Processing fee is included in the registration fee.
Jan 30 - Jun 7
Event schedule
- Fri, June 5, 2026 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Swag Pick-Up - Leader Dogs for the Blind
- Sat, June 6, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Swag Pick-Up - Leader Dogs for the Blind
- Sun, June 7, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Swag Pick-Up (Race Site)
- Sun, June 7, 2026 9:00 AM - 5K Start
- Sun, June 7, 2026 9:15 AM - Post Race Celebration
What You Get With Your Race Registration
Gear Up and Go: Discover exclusive goodies that’ll keep you pumped up and ready to run because you deserve more than just a medal!
- An awesome, 4.5-ounce, Oatmeal Heather District Perfect Tri-Blend Shirt
- Stylishly cool Bark & Brew 5K 4-inch race medal
- Coupon for a free, age-appropriate beverage and food item at the Post-Race Party.
Want to feel VIP? As a VIP, you will receive a 2026 branded Bark & Brew 5K pint glass and Velour Fingertip Sport Towel.
Course Map
Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor
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Host Location
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Lead Sponsor
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Champion Sponsor
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Supporter Sponsor
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Friend Sponsor
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In-Kind Partners
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