UW Dawg Dash

I am not sure I will continue to do the Dawg Dash. Having ran the 5k several times I’m so sick and tired of the 5k/​10k course overlap and everyone being screamed at to get out of the way for the 10k runners, and on very narrow paths. Oh hello bush, yes I’d like to hug you. One person yells get to the left, the next to the right. Come on people, coordinate and get on the same page. I don’t need to pay good money to be screamed at thank you very much. The only saving grace here is it’s a beautiful campus, especially this time of year, so it’s a beautiful run.

2013 Dawg Dash has great turn out and is fun. However, I am not sure about the course length. My MapMyRun app showed it as 3.2 miles, so a solid 0.1 mile long. I don’t think it is a USTAF certified course, so the length could be off a bit. Anyone else out there map the 5K using an app and get a similar length?

An annual UW tradition that goes to support student scholarships and the alumni association! As a Husky alum, this is such a fun run to participate in. There is a 5K and a 10K option. I’ve run both over the years.
Last year, the Husky Stadium was under construction, so the normal route was carefully rerouted. I actually REALLY loved the route they used last year for the 10K. It started on Memorial Way and wound through Ravenna Park and the Burke-​Gilman Trail (two beautiful places to run). From there, the route passed through campus, ending in the Quad. All festivities and post-​race bananas were on Red Square!
Dogs and strollers are allowed, so it’s not a super serious run. However, the 5K tends to have most of the dogs and strollers, so the 10K is a better option if you prefer to run without furry friends around you. Toward the last mile, the Husky Marching Band plays for you as you wind around Drumheller Fountain. The auditory encouragement is often just what you need for that final mile!
I love UW. GO DAWGS!

This is my first time joining UW Dawg Dash. And, I am not a UW alumni. But, I thought it’s nice to get the spirits going and help out UW students in their scholarship. It’s meaningful. However, my friend who ran with me was a UW alumni. That’s another reason to support.
This isn’t really a big event. But, everyone was running/​walking hard. I am a dog lover. I think the best part of this run is that you can bring your dogs. Unfortunately, my boys don’t really run. In addition, there were a few sponsors handing out goodies. My favorite would be the green tea chopsticks and Peak’s Frozen Custard, Pumpkin flavor.
When it comes to the route and course, this run isn’t my favorite. Towards to the end, the course looped around campus several times. It got crowded, a bit confusing, and complicated for 10K. I think the 5K may have been a better route since it’s shorter.

I was a bit disappointed in last year’s Dawg Dash. It was only my second major race and my first timed 10K. I was beyond excited.
The course was fairly easy and it was enjoyable to run through the UW campus, as well as to finish in Husky stadium. The corrals were organized fairly well, though I wish there had been waves for the runners because everyone started at the same time… but they didn’t necessarily start in their appropriate corral.
There were a few places where it got really slow and bogged down (one odd hairpin turnaround near mile 4 rings a bell), but otherwise the foot traffic managed to be spaced out relatively well.
When I finished, I couldn’t believe my time — I’d never run that fast! For hours I continued to tell myself how much I rocked… until I saw the most recent Dawg Dash Facebook page status… where they admitted that there had been issues with the distance of the course. Rather than 6.2 miles, it was around 5.77. Well… there went all my happiness right out the window! What a letdown!
I had a fun run, but I was pretty disappointed at the incorrect course distance. Not sure if I would do this run again.

The Dawg Dash is a 5K and 10K run sponsored by the University of Washington to raise money for the alumni association. The biggest draw for me is this is a dog friendly event. There aren’t many in Seattle unfortunately even though this is a dog friendly city. My pooch, Dugan, and I have done it two years in a row.
This is a fairly well organized event. This year I had to stand in line longer to get my race bib than I had last year but that tends to happen.
The run starts in Husky Stadium. Before the gun goes off to start the race the Star Spangled Banner is played. You run on the track then run out of the stadium. Soon you are in the UW campus, on the Burke Gilman Trail then back into the stadium for the finish. While running through campus the alumni band is playing festive tunes to keep you motivated. The course is mostly flat with a few small inclines here and there. This is a great run for beginners.
Don’t worry. LIttle Bobby won’t be left out. For the little guys there is a free one mile Pup run which commences once all the runners are out of the stadium.
While I enjoy this run my only complaint is there are no waves. The runners, walkers, and joggers all start at the same time. Due to my frequent trips to the bathroom caused by nerves Dugan and I were stuck in the back. When the gun went off we were ready to go at full speed but were stopped in our tracks as we encountered the walkers. For at least half a mile there is no room to move. It is crowded not only with humans but with dogs. Be aware of the length of your dog’s leash and you’ll be just fine.
I recommend the Dawg Dash highly because I can run with my dog. Also, the course is easy as pie. The alumni band is a great touch as well.