Hundreds of participants and their dogs gathered at Rio Vista Community Park in Peoria, Arizona, for the 14th annual Running for the Bulls event, raising funds for AZK9 Rescue.
The dog-friendly run, held on Sunday, featured 10km, 5km and one-mile routes through the New River Trail System. Participants were able to complete the courses alongside their pets, with water stations and dog pools provided along the way. ([raceroster.com](https://raceroster.com/events/2026/130593/14th-annual-running-for-the-bulls?utm_source=openai))
AZK9 Rescue founder Courtney Anderson said the event brought the local community together while supporting the organisation’s work with animals in need.
“We have our community out here joining us,” Anderson said. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/azk9-rescue-hosts-14th-annual-running-bulls-event-peoria?utm_source=openai))
The Peoria-based rescue describes itself as an all-breed organisation focused on spay-and-neuter initiatives, community education and support for rescue dogs and cats, including senior and medically vulnerable animals. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/azk9-rescue-hosts-14th-annual-running-bulls-event-peoria?utm_source=openai))
Running for the Bulls takes place on the first Sunday of October and is intended to mark the start of Pit Bull Awareness Month, with organisers promoting pit bulls as suitable family pets.
Among those taking part was Pancake, a 14-year-old rescue dog who returned to the event in a stroller after attending in previous years.
Her owner, Rebecca Kissell, said Pancake looked forward to the race each year and that the pair planned to continue the tradition.
