Description

Now entering its 4th year, the Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk has become the Foundation for TJO Animals’ largest and most anticipated fundraising event of the year—and this year, it’s more powerful (and more fun!) than ever. 

This beloved community event honors the animals who have changed our lives while raising critical funds for animals still waiting for their heroes. Every step taken helps provide lifesaving veterinary care, enrichment, and second chances for the animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

 ✨ New for this year: a SUPERHERO theme! ✨ Participants of all ages are invited to unleash their inner hero by stopping at our Superhero Creation Station, where you can customize your own mask and cape—and even meet real-life superheroes along the way! The Fun Walk will feature three superhero-themed activity stations, making it an exciting and interactive experience for kids, families, and four-legged sidekicks alike. 

The event is proudly hosted by the Foundation for TJO Animals with the generous support of Gary Rome Hyundai and Western Mass News, and features a lively, pet-friendly atmosphere with vendors, raffles, games, music from local DJ Leah Rantz, and activities for the whole family. Whether you run, walk, roll, or stroll—this is your chance to be a hero for animals. 

Come dressed as your favorite superhero, bring your furry friends, and join us for a day filled with hope, healing, remembrance, and heroic fun. Because every animal deserves a hero—and this day proves that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and species. 🦸‍♂️🐾

Join us on Saturday, May 2nd at Fountain Park, 883 Tinkham Road in Wilbraham, MA for the 4th Annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk that benefits the animals in need at TJO!

Event Highlights:

5K Run & Fun Walk
Run or walk in honor of a beloved pet or for animals still in need. All ages and abilities welcome.

Superhero Fun Walk Theme
Because not all superheroes wear capes—some have paws, and some show up for them. Feel free to wear your favorite superhero gear!

Food Trucks!
Wandering Waffles, Cookies By Ray, Riffs Joint – Myers Catering & Dave the Beer Guy!

Customize Your Bib Station
Personalize your race bib to honor a pet who changed your life.

Kids’ Superhero Mask Station
Let kids design their own superhero mask and join the fun as animal heroes for the day. Also, meet some actual superheroes!

Resource Row & Vendors
Explore local vendors, animal resources, and community partners who support pets and people.

Bubble Soccer & Games
High-energy fun and interactive games for kids and adults alike.

Rainbow Bridge Memorial Wall
As part of your event registration, you will have an option to purchase a wooden paw ornament(s) with your pet’s name. On the day of the event, you can find your ornament(s) beautifully displayed on the Rainbow Bridge Memorial wall and take it home with you. You can also purchase ornaments the day of the event while supplies last.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Event kick off and race registration begin at 11:00am.
• Race starts at 1:00pm.
• Early registration Feb 2nd - Feb 28th $30, includes event t-shirt.
• Registration March 1st - April 15th $35, includes event t-shirt.
• Registration April 16th until day of event - $40, t-shirts included but size not guaranteed.
• Children under 12 are free.

Got a team? Sign 'em up!

Consider creating a fundraiser so family, friends and co-workers can help you support the TJO animals. A special prize will be awarded to the individual that raises the most!

Awards for top male and top female in the following age groups:
19 and under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+

There will be 1 prize for the top dog and human pair (5K only).

REGISTER TODAY!

Can't make it to the run but still want to support the event? You can DONATE HERE.‍

Your support enables the Foundation to continue to fund specialized surgeries and diagnostics, now including on-site radiographs, medical equipment, comprehensive testing, emergency clinics as needed, medications & medical supplies, high-quality on-site veterinary care, enrichment supplies that provide comfort and reassurance while in the shelter, and more.

Dogs who are comfortable with the chaos of noise, people, and other dogs are welcome to attend. Pups who attend should be on a leash at all times. No flexi-leads.