PIKESVILLE, Md. – Lace-up your running shoes, grab a leash for your pooch and join The Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) for its largest fundraiser of the year! The 2025 Heads & Tails 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Dash returns Sunday, Oct. 19 to Garrison Forest School (300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117). 

Approximately 450 runners, volunteers and canine companions are anticipated for this family-friendly event, which opens at 7:30 a.m. for on-site registration. Highlights include a Pre-Race Warmup, 5K Run/Walk, Doggie Dash, Pet Festival, Vendor Village, Hot Breakfast from Apple Spice, Kid’s Korner, Pug Mug Station, a DJ and more! 

The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and travels along a rolling course. Adults, kids and dogs at all fitness levels can participate in this timed race. Custom drinkware from PrintInk and a signature commemorative 5K coin will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 and under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and older.   

The Doggie Dash "fun run" kicks off at 10 a.m. along a short grassy course. Kids and adults can run, walk or jog at their own pace with their leashed dog. They will be cheered on by the event’s Doggie Dash Mascot, which will be the winner of a design contest. All registered “Dashers” and their dogs will receive a race bib, plus all participating dogs will receive a Heads & Tails 5K and Doggie Dash branded doggie bandana. Fun pet prizes also will be awarded to the first, second and third place pups. 

Race shirts/bibbs will be given to the first 300 adult runners and all Kids 5K participants. All participants will receive bottled water, snacks, breakfast, access to the Vendor Village and Kids Korner, and entry to prize drawings for gift certificates, gift baskets and more – courtesy of Presenting Sponsor, McCormick Auto Body and additional event sponsors, such as Garrison Forest School, Heidi Marie Bell Photography and Baron’s K9 in Glyndon.

Online registration is available at www.headsandtails5k.com with entry fees as follows: 

·        $45 through Sept. 30 (one runner; or one runner plus one dog)

·        $55 Oct. 1-19 (one runner; or one runner plus one dog)

·        Kids 5K Registration: $25 – Ages 12 and under

·        Doggie Dash Half Mile Registration: $25 through Sept. 30; $35 Oct. 1 through Race Day (one dasher; or one dasher plus one dog)

·        Kids Doggie Dash Half Mile Registration: $15 - Ages 12 and under (Kids cotton t-shirt can be purchased during registration for $10.)

Teams of 5 or more (business/corporate/friends/family, etc.) will receive a $5 discount. Those interested in forming a team can easily create one on the event registration page and are encouraged to get creative with team themes.  To boost team participation, GBCC will post team video clips on social media leading up to the event.

Event proceeds support the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to enhance the growth and prosperity of our local business community. Donors also can raise funds via the event’s webpage (and win prizes for reaching various fundraising milestones) for Reed's Rescue – a Northern Baltimore County non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs of senior age or deemed to be terminally ill from area shelters, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of decompensating in the shelter environment.

“The Heads & Tails 5K & Doggie Dash has something for everyone—serious runners, casual walkers, dog lovers and families looking for a great way to spend a fun morning,” said 5K Committee Co-Chair Heidi Marie Bell (photographer/owner/visual content creator at Heidi Marie Bell Photography). “It’s a high-energy, dog-friendly event that brings the community together, supports local business growth through the Greater Baltimore Chamber and gives elderly rescue dogs the love and care they need through Reed’s Rescue. Come out and join us!” 

About the GBCC
Serving more than 300 businesses and non-profits and schools in Baltimore County, the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce promotes business, enhances economic well-being and fosters community development. A 501(c)(6) business association, The GBCC Chamber works in partnership with local business, government, and community stakeholders to create a Greater Baltimore that is a great place to live, work and shop. For more information, visit www.greaterbaltimorechamber.org or follow @greaterbaltimorechamber on Facebook and Instagram.