Race Description
On Sunday, May 24th, 2026 we are hosting the 8th Annual Flagstaff Doggie Dash and Buffaloops Ultra at the idyllic Buffalo Park! Runners can run with their dogs for the 5k distance or run solo. The Buffaloops event features fixed-time races of 3,6, and 12 hours where runners complete as many 2 mile loops as they can in the allotted time. A portion of registration fees will be donated to High Country Humane Society to support our furry friends! There will also be a free kid's race, raffle prizes, dog yoga and fun for the whole family!
T-shirt art by Stacey Barker of Barking Goat Studios
The Courses
5k runners will complete one counter clockwise loop of Buffalo Park plus a shorter one mile loop before finishing where the race started.
3,6, and 12 hour runners will start by running the outer two mile loop counterclockwise and then switch directions every 2 hours.
Course maps will be emailed to participants a week prior to the race!
Quick Details
- Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 - Packet pickup on Saturday evening (time and place to be announced) with packet pickup also available on-site the morning of the race.
- Sunday, May 24th, 2026 - Race Day
- 6:15am - Day of registration/packet pickup opens
- 7:00am - 3, 6 and 12 hour start
- 8:45 am - Free kid's fun run
- 9:00 am - 5k Run/Walk (Humans and Dogs together)
Virtual Race Option
Support the cause from afar! Virtual participants can run a 5k on a date and time of their choosing. To be listed in the results and entered into our virtual runner raffle, email us your finishing time/Strava link by the end of the day on May 25th, 2026. Virtual participants may run with or without a dog and will receive a race bib and stickers by mail. 100% of virtual registrations are donated to High Country Humane.
Race Swag
- FREE professional photo downloads for all participants!
- 5k Runners receive a unique piece of Trail GangstAZ + Doggie Dash merch
- 5k Runners with dogs will receive a doggie bandana for their pup (only 1 per registration and supplies are limited)
- 3,6, and 12 hour runners receive a limited edition "Buffaloops" merch item with their registration!!
- T-shirts are not included with 5k registration, but will be available in our Shopify store (link will be emailed). Shirts will be printed by a third party and shipped to your address.
Aid Station & Drop Bags
Aid Station: A table located near the entrance to the park (and the drop bag area) will be stocked with water, electrolyte mix, and snacks. However, be sure to bring plenty of your own hydration and fuel in case we run out. Items like sunscreen, tums, and body glide will be available, however, you should still plan '*. We'll also have first aid and a medical staff member on site.
Drop Bags: We will have an area specified for your personal drop bag along the course that will allow for easy and quick access. Setting up a tent/canopy is free and available upon request.
Fixed Time Race Rules & Etiquette
The 12 Hour race begins promptly at 7:00 AM. If you arrive late for the start of your race you may still compete, but the time you’ve missed is lost and cannot be made up. At the start, you will begin circling the trail CLOCKWISE. Thereafter, you will change direction every two hours (9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm). You may leave the course at any time. If and when you decide to continue, you must return to the course at the exact same place you left it, and complete the lap you were on when you stepped off the track, in the same direction as you were going, regardless of the direction other runners are moving when you return. This ensures that you are credited with the correct number of laps. There are no DNFs and no drop-downs allowed mid-race. The objective of these runs is only to go as far as you can (or desire) in the allotted time. Of course, the more time you spend moving forward, the more distance you will accumulate. If you wish to stop completely before the official end of your race, inform the race director or a race volunteer that you are quitting or leaving. You may run the tangents on the Buffalo Park loop, however, you may not cut the loop short in any other way. If you do not complete the full lap before moving on the next one, it will not count towards your total. Course etiquette does not require lone runners to yield the "inside lane" to runners wanting to pass, regardless of whether the one being passed is running or walking at the time. It is assumed that each participant is there to do his or her best, and has an equal right to pursue personal goals. In a race of this type, it is to be expected that even the best will walk for periods of time, particularly those in the longer races.
Always pass others on the outside if they are on the inside lane.
An exception to this policy is the case of two or more persons running or walking together. Persons traveling around the trail in groups should always leave an inside channel open so faster runners do not have to travel far to the outside to get around them. In all cases, remember to show common courtesy, and that most of us run for the enjoyment and thrill of the experience!
Rules and etiquette adapted from Aravaipa Running
Awards
Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall male and females in each race distance. The top finisher will also receive a gift card to a local establishment. Each runner is automatically entered into our raffle and must be present to claim their prize.
Volunteers
Email the Race Director Ruairi Moynihan at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering. You can even run one of the events and volunteer before/after your race.
Race logo drawn by Stacey Barker of Barking Goat Studios
