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On March 29, 2026, Central Park in New York City will host the second annual Bark in the Park- 5K Fun Run & Walk. This non-competitive, family-friendly and inclusive experience welcomes participants of all abilities, whether avid runners or those who simply enjoy a leisurely stroll with their canine companions. Every registration supports important canine health research, making a significant difference in the lives of dogs everywhere.
Participants can choose to join in person at Central Park or participate virtually from their own neighborhoods. Attendees are encouraged to bring their dogs, families and friends for a day filled with fitness, fun and purpose. Solo runners are also more than welcome to join in person or virtually. Last year’s inaugural 5K saw roughly 350 human participants and 250 canine participants onsite to join the festivities.
Bark in the Park is presented by the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center in collaboration with Purina Cornell CHAMP (Canine Healthy Aging & Mobility Program), both part of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Participation contributes to a cause that supports groundbreaking research aimed at improving the health and longevity of dogs’ lives.
The Riney Canine Health Center (RCHC) is devoted to advancing the health and well-being of dogs worldwide. Building on decades of pioneering research and accomplishments, the center is a collaborative effort among over 50 researchers spanning six academic departments, the Baker Institute for Animal Health, two large veterinary medical centers and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Together, these teams are working to ensure that dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Research is central to the center’s mission. Cornell University’s legacy of transformative
contributions to canine health includes the development of more than half of the vaccines routinely administered to protect dogs today. These breakthroughs, such as the vaccine for canine parvovirus, have saved millions of lives and continue to set the standard for veterinary innovation.
A recent study funded by the RCHC highlights this dedication to progress. Riney affiliate faculty member, Dr. Parminder S. Basran, is currently focused on improving the treatment for canine osteosarcoma, a fast-growing cancer that spreads aggressively. Current options like surgery and chemotherapy are often ineffective, especially for non-operable cases. Basran and his team are exploring spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), a method that delivers high-dose radiation to tumors while sparing healthy tissues to preserve the affected limb.
“The Riney Canine Health Center has been such an important player in helping us move this research forward,” said Basran. “The Riney research grants have allowed us to really dig intoexploring the technology that obviously benefits dogs, but can also be bridged to human medicine.” The success of studies like Basran’s demonstrates the center’s ability to fund research that advances veterinary science while directly improving the lives of dogs and their families.
Beyond research, the center acts as a trusted resource in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and actionable advice for dog owners. By leveraging the expertise of clinical staff and faculty, it provides up-to-date, reliable health information through its website. Riney recently launched Big Red Bark Chat, an AI-powered chatbot designed to help dog owners and veterinary professionals access reliable canine health information when and where they need it. Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Generative AI Innovation Center, Big Red Bark Chat offers on-demand answers to common questions about dog behavior, symptoms, diseases and veterinary terminology drawn from Cornell’s extensive veterinary knowledge base.
The RCHC embodies a complete approach to canine health, combining innovative research with community engagement and education. Bark in the Park serves as the most recent example of how the center is connecting researchers, veterinarians and dog enthusiasts to ensure that every advancement in canine health contributes meaningfully to the lives of dogs.
For those unable to join the race, donations are another way to support the cause. Every
contribution furthers the mission of improving the lives of canine companions. Bark in the Park offers an opportunity to make a tangible difference in canine health while celebrating the special bond shared with dogs. It is a day to take strides—literally and figuratively—toward a healthier future for canine companions everywhere.
For registration and additional information, visit: riney.vet.cornell.edu/bark-in-the-park
