The third edition of Trail Dog Run Tijuana will take place on August 23 at Rancho Santo Domingo, giving runners a chance to hit the trails alongside their dogs on a dedicated 5K course. Organizers Sergio Silva and Daniel Galván of Trail Series Baja expect around 600 participants across three distances.
The event offers 5K, 10K, and 21K (half marathon) routes, but only the 5K leg allows dogs on the course. Runners tackling the 10K and 21K will go solo. Registration is open through July 30, with fees set at 600 pesos (about $30 USD) for the 5K, 550 pesos (roughly $28 USD) for the 10K, and 650 pesos (approximately $33 USD) for the 21K.
Rules for Running With Your Dog
Organizers have set clear requirements for canine participants. Dogs must be in good physical condition with healthy respiratory function. Sport harnesses are recommended over standard collars, which can strain a dog’s neck during a trail run. Every runner with a dog must carry waste bags and a water container for their pet.
The event is single-use cup free, so human runners should also plan to bring their own hydration. These rules echo a growing trend in organized trail running that prioritizes both animal welfare and environmental responsibility on the course.
Prizes, Kit Pickup, and Logistics
Cash prizes are available for top finishers in the 21K distance, with awards reaching up to 3,000 pesos (about $150 USD). Kit pickup is scheduled for August 20 at Café Contenitori in Tijuana.
Rancho Santo Domingo, the race venue, sits in the eastern hills of Tijuana. The terrain offers a mix of dirt trails and elevation changes typical of Baja California’s coastal scrubland, a setting well suited to trail running. For those crossing the border from San Diego, the ranch is roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive from the San Ysidro port of entry, depending on the route.
The first two editions of Trail Dog Run drew steady participation, and the 2026 race is the largest yet in terms of expected turnout. With the August date falling in Tijuana’s warm, dry season, early morning start times are likely.
This story was first reported by Punto Norte and confirmed by Diario Tijuana.