If you're looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day outing with your dog—one that gives back to the community while getting you moving—Cupid’s Chase 5K Austin is the city’s must‑do charity run on February 14. This annual national race series supports Community Options, Inc., an organization providing housing and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and Austin’s event remains one of the most accessible, inclusive races in Central Texas.
Here’s your complete insider guide to making the most of the 2026 race at Camp Mabry.
ESSENTIAL EVENT DETAILS
• Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
• Location: Camp Mabry, 2200 West 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
• Check-in: 8:00 AM
• Race start: 10:00 AM
• Registration: $50 late registration (after Feb 7)
• Pet policy: Leashed dogs welcome
• Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices
Cupid’s Chase 5K Austin at Camp Mabry
$50 late registration (after Feb 7)Register before February 7 to avoid late-registration pricing and maximize your chances of getting a race shirt in your preferred size.
Camp Mabry is an active military installation, so plan extra time for the security gate and parking flow on race morning.
All participants receive a finisher medal, drawstring bag, chipped timing, and access to immediate published results. Trophy awards go to the top three male and female finishers, plus age‑group medals across 13 categories.
WHY THIS EVENT STANDS OUT
• It’s one of Austin’s only major charity races that openly welcomes dogs. For more dog‑centric fun that weekend, you can also check out Inside Austin’s Puppy Bowl 2026: The Insider Guide to the City’s Cutest Super Bowl Weekend Tradition.
• February weather is ideal for running with pets.
• All proceeds benefit disability support services through Community Options, which offers Texas‑based residential, employment, and day services that help people with disabilities live and work in their communities.
• The inclusive race format draws walkers, families, wheelchair users, and casual runners—not just competitive athletes.
Because of its focus on accessibility and inclusion, Cupid’s Chase also aligns with Community Options’ broader service model centered on person‑first planning and community integration.
INSIDER INTELLIGENCE: WHAT LOCALS KNOW
• Arrive earlier than you think: Although check‑in opens at 8:00 AM, regulars recommend pulling in by 7:45 AM to navigate Camp Mabry’s security gate and parking flow.
• Dogs do best near the back of the starting corral: It reduces crowd pressure and keeps excited pups calmer for the first half‑mile.
• Watch for limited‑supply race shirts: After February 7, shirts aren’t guaranteed, so late registrants should arrive early if a shirt is a priority.
• Hydration stations are human‑focused: Bring your own collapsible dog water bowl to avoid sharing.
• Camp Mabry has shaded areas near the finish: Ideal cool‑down spots for post‑race dog relaxation, similar to the laid‑back green spaces you’ll find in Inside Zilker Park in 2026: The Insider Guide to Austin’s Most Iconic Urban Oasis.
Stage with your dog near the back of the starting corral and bring a collapsible water bowl so your pup can hydrate without relying on shared bowls.
Race shirts aren’t guaranteed after February 7. If you’re registering late, get to check-in early before popular sizes and cuts run out.
If you’re exploring the city after the race, Austin’s broader accessibility culture is supported by organizations like Community Options, which is also profiled by the state on Navigate Life Texas.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is available through the official race portals:
• https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Austin/CupidsChaseAustin
• https://comop.org/cupidschase
You can also learn more about the organization behind the event and its national footprint by visiting the Community Options, Inc. homepage.
RELATED AUSTIN GUIDES
If you’re building a full winter and early‑spring race calendar, pair Cupid’s Chase with Inside the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon 2026: The Insider Guide to the City’s Biggest Running Event.
Looking for more community‑driven fun? Try:
• Inside Austin’s Puppy Bowl 2026: The Insider Guide to the City’s Cutest Super Bowl Weekend Tradition
• Inside ACL Live Community Day 2026: The Insider Guide to Austin’s First‑Ever Family Music Celebration
For a deeper dive into Austin’s cultural and outdoor scene before or after race day, you can also explore Inside Zilker Park in 2026: The Insider Guide to Austin’s Most Iconic Urban Oasis.
- Dog-friendly Valentine’s Day event
- Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Supports Community Options disability services
- Welcoming to walkers and casual runners
- Chip-timed with immediate published results
- Shirts not guaranteed for late registrants
- Security gate and parking add extra arrival time
- Hydration stations not designed for dogs
- Chilly February start temps possible
A festive, feel-good charity 5K that’s one of Austin’s most inclusive races—especially strong for dog owners, families, and anyone who wants an easy-on-ramps way to support disability services on Valentine’s Day.
PRIMARY SOURCES
• Community Options official race page: https://comop.org/cupidschase
• RunSignup event listing: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Austin/CupidsChaseAustin
Cupid’s Chase 5K isn’t just a race—it’s a chance to spend Valentine’s Day supporting a meaningful cause with your dog at your side. If you want a festive, feel‑good Austin event with easy participation and high community spirit, this is the one to circle on your calendar.
Related Austin Data
Inside Cupid’s Chase 5K Austin 2026: The Insider Guide to the City’s Valentine’s Day Dog‑Friendly Charity Run
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