Babcock Ranch, Southwest Florida’s unique eco-centric, solar-powered town just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, is hosting its second annual Doggie Dash 5K and Bark in the Park Pet Festival Saturday, Feb. 23 at 8 a.m.

Runners and walkers with or without their furry friends can register for the Doggie Dash 5K. The race starts at the 4.5-acre Jack Peeples Park, continues through Founder’s Square and the Lake Timber neighborhood, and finishes at the park with refreshments for all – including “Puppy-Chino” dog treats.

A 9:30 a.m. awards ceremony will recognize the overall winner, masters, senior masters, senior grandmasters, and three deep in each ten-year increment age group for men and women.

Following the race, Bark in the Park Pet Festival will feature activities for children, petting areas and more than 15 pet-related vendors, including alpacas from RLB Ranch and animal communicator Kathy Zablotzky. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team will also be on hand with agility demonstrations. 

For more information and to register online before race day, visit www.BabcockRanch.com/events. Packets will be available on race day at Jack Peeples Park at Babcock Ranch starting at 7 a.m. Email events@babcockranch.com for more information.