Sgt. Ruff's Color Run 2026

Sgt. Ruff's Color Run is a dog-friendly 5K and 1-mile fun run in Lenoir, North Carolina. It takes place on the City of Lenoir Greenway, starting from the Lenoir Rotary Soccer Complex parking lot. The shorter race, the Pup Run, has no timing chip or age limit, while the 5K is named the Big Dawg. Before the races, America's Colors are presented, followed by the National Anthem. Both races commence with a color party. The event benefits Shepherds for Sheepdogs, a Lenoir nonprofit that provides professionally trained service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders. All proceeds directly support the dog-and-handler teams. This marks the organization's fourth annual race and its first color run. The Pup Run features two color stations on its course, and the Big Dawg 5K has four. Participants receive a white Shepherds for Sheepdogs shirt, bandana, sunglasses, and a color bomb. Finishers are awarded a custom dog tag medal. Leashed dogs are permitted, and costumes are encouraged. Runners should wear old shoes, as the powder may extend beyond their shirts.