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Tails on the Trail

Home » Events » Tails on the Trail

Join us for the 9th Annual Tails on the Trail 5K Run/Walk for Animals, a fun-filled, dog-friendly and kid-friendly community event supporting the lifesaving work of Ark-Valley Humane Society!

Details:

  • Sunday, May 31st, 2026
  • Race begins at 10:00am
  • After Party from 10:30am-12:30pm

This beloved fundraiser invites runners, walkers, families, and their four-legged companions to hit the scenic trails for a great cause. The race begins at the base of S Mountain, following the beautiful Tenderfoot trails with a gentle incline, and finishes at the Salida SteamPlant—just in time for a lively After Party!

After crossing the finish line, stick around to celebrate! Enjoy:

  • Delicious free breakfast burritos and food catered by Kalamata Pit
  • Face painting
  • Games
  • Prizes for top runners

Whether you’re racing to win or strolling alongside your pet, Tails on the Trail is a wonderful way to get outside, connect with fellow animal lovers, and make a meaningful impact.

As Ark-Valley Humane Society’s largest in-person fundraiser of the year, this event directly supports homeless pets in need—providing safe shelter, essential medical care, and helping animals find loving adoptive homes.

Registration Details:
Early bird pricing is available now through Wednesday, May 27th. Register by May 12th to get a guaranteed race t-shirt:

  • $45 for adults
  • $30 for children (ages 6–17)
  • Free for children 5 and under

Registration will also be available the day of the event from 9:00-9:45am located at the Denver & Rio Grande Western Caboose in the F Street parking lot. 

Every step you take helps change the life of a shelter pet. We can’t wait to see you on the trail!

Ready to make a difference? Sign up now by clicking below.

Register Now

See the 2025 Tails on the Trail event photos here! 

See the 2025 runners and race times posted here!

Ashley P + Wally 24.11

Jason M 24.20

Aric Y 25.01

Declan H 25.54

Rie Y 26.22

Allison G 26.40

Lynn P 27.20

Kristina S + Prairie 27.14

Alice H 28.32

Matthew W + Tuco 28.32

Joe R + Uma 29.52

Lisa M 29.53

Jerry M 29.54

Kara Y 30.28

Benjamin W 34.14

Connie S 34.57

Evelyn Z + Bolvio 35.22

Michaela B 35.26

Myranda I 36.57

Scot B 39.16

Tracey B 39.16

Jamie P 39.47

Colette A 40.50

Joe A 40.51

Stephanie A 40.52

Kelsey K 42.37

Dana W 42.52

Debbie M 43.22

Rebecca M 46.57

Laurie D 48.21

Julie S 51.38

Margie S 51.38

Charlotte S 52.47

Kristine B 52.48

Ethan J 54.58

Laura J 54.58

John E 55.33

Shannon B 55.34

Tony T 57.00

Cherry T 57.02

Robyn O 57.16

Lana O 57.16

Ashlea H + Bonnie & Blue 59.40

Donna H 64.57

Peter H 64.58

Alanna H 64.59

Luz S 65.39

Terry P 65.50

Shelly M + Zuni 73.32

Susan K 73.33

Lloyd M 73.34

Terri L 73.48

Thank You to Our 2025 Tails on the Trail Race Sponsors!

Special Thanks to our Top Dog Business Sponsor!

Thanks to our Gold Paw Sponsors!

Thanks to our Best in Show Sponsors!

Thanks to our All Star In-Kind Business Sponsors!

Thanks to our Dog's Best Friend Business Sponsors!

A brief history on Loyal Duke, a loved dog who inspired this race

This information was provided by Friends of Loyal Duke

In 1889, an American Water Spaniel named Duke made the Salida train depot his office; meeting and greeting the trains coming through. Duke would visit around town as well as wander up Tenderfoot Hill with visitors. Duke was adopted by the manager of the Hotel Monte Cristo, which sat right between the narrow-gauge tracks and the river. At the opera, the residents would let Duke in the back door and he’d take naps behind the curtain. He would go to dances, plays, and when he was young, he would even chase home run balls at the baseball games. Duke was Salida’s ambassador for 13 years; welcoming visitors and accompanying the locals. Loyal Duke passed away on October 2, 1902. His loyalty to the town earned him the name we remember him by now – Loyal Duke.