The New Year is meant to start over with a new hobby or self-tradition that is good for you until you carry on this practice for the rest of 2025. Spartanburg residents, a South Carolina community, carried on this annual ritual of New Year’s Day fun run together with their dogs to start each year healthy and strong. Check out how they carried on this fun tradition, and maybe you and your dog can get inspired to finally start that daily morning or evening run that you’ve been putting off.
Many residents from Spartanburg and their dogs start each year by joining the ‘Hair of the Dog’ fun run that is presented by the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and arranged by the YMCA. Every first day of the year, runners take on 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles) running around the area, starting and ending at the Thomas E. Hannah YMCA.
The fun run isn’t actually a race for the fastest dog, but rather, it’s a challenge between dogs and their owners to make it to the finish line. Still, first to reach the finish line by running 5k at a time of 18.4 minutes is 17-year-old Nicholas Rhoden from Spartanburg High School. Since he’s a cross-country runner and on the school’s track team, Rhoden was already familiar with the route where he used to train.
This 2025, the annual Hair of the Dog fun run celebrates its 43rd year! But how exactly did this fun run start, and how did it last for 45 years? Read along.
Hair of the Dog Fun Run Explained
A little fun fact: ‘Hair of the Dog’ is actually the community’s oldest running event, tracing its roots back to the 1980s. The scene revolves around a small running club in the community called the StrYders, which was connected to the Spartanburg YMCA. The idea of a fun run was born out of the group’s sneaker session. Around four dozen red shirts were ordered for the first event, which the organizers thought was too many. But when January 1 took place, they were surprised that 75 runners showed up.
Through the years, these t-shirts have changed in color and have varied from long-sleeve shirts to sweatshirts and hoodies. Each year, 100 sign-ups will receive a pair of ‘Hair of the Dog’ socks alongside the event t-shirt.
If you and your dog are someone who just started running, you might want to sign up for the 2026 list. This fun run is actually catered to slow runners, stroller rollers, old and young runners, dog walkers, and even Olympians. The weather creates the perfect one to go out for a run since it stays in its Southern roots with 80 degrees sunny days and 17 degrees icy days. The event serves as a bridge to connect people, most especially dog owners.
Sadly, the event is over, but you can always join next year. For now, you might want to go on your daily runs together with your dogs to pick up the habit and be ready to participate in the fun run for next year! The proceeds will go to the YMCA’s annual campaign that provides Sparkle City families, children, and seniors with financial assistance for their health.
RELATED: Why Hundreds of Bernese Mountain Dogs Make Breckenridge a Holiday Dream
Running with Your Dog
So, you plan on running with your dog to tick them off your New Year’s resolution? Here are the things that you might want to prepare and reminders that you need to keep in mind:
Wait up! Before you get to the guide, it is important to consider your dog’s age and size. If you still have a puppy with you, the general rule is to wait until your dog’s growth plate has fully developed before you start running.
Also, make sure that your dog has sufficient training, like knowing the essential commands and practicing a few laps and jogging using their running leash. Know your dog’s speed by assessing them as they run around the block or the park.
Essential Commands to Keep in Mind
- Heel
- Sit
- Place
- Down
- Come
- No/Leave it
- Follow me/Back/Behind
Gear
- Hands-free running leash
- Running belt or vest
- Poop bags
- Updated ID tag
- Water and a collapsible bowl
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Dog-Friendly Hotels for Your Next Trip
From The Club
I’ve always wanted to be one of those women from TikTok who goes on a run with their healthy dog, but it’s another commitment I must add to my busy schedule. My dogs have sufficient exercise every day even if they don’t go running, and I guess that’s the important thing. Still, on one of those days, I’d like to take them out for a doggy fun run event where they can meet other dogs and socialize with them.