McClellan, AL — Nearly a thousand enthusiastic dog lovers from 32 states converged this weekend at the scenic OneWorld Pet Resort campus in McClellan, Alabama, for the latest edition of the OneWorld Canine Obstacle Run. Now in its third year under the OneWorld banner, this fast-growing event continues to be a seasonal favorite for pet owners, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
The 4.5-mile course featured over 40 dynamic obstacles—including tire jumps, tunnel crawls, steep climbs, muddy water crossings, and even full-on dog carries—testing both the strength and spirit of human-canine teams. Competitors faced terrain soaked by early morning rain, navigating natural creeks, towering tire pyramids, and steep, muddy slopes like “Heartbreak Hill.”
Dogs of all shapes and sizes, from sprightly Jack Russells to stately Saint Bernards, gave their all—charging through bogs, scaling buses, and diving into the splash pool finale, all cheered on by a crowd of supporters wielding cameras, treats, and plenty of praise.
Despite the weather, spirits were high. “I’m so proud of my girl Alpha for bringing home the first-place medal for Canada in the International category,” said Maria Lui from Kingsville, Ontario. “Aside from slipping out of her harness and me getting lost on the course, we had a blast!”
For Suzanne Laird-Dartez of Winnsboro, Louisiana, it was a mix of newcomers and seasoned runners. Running with her 3-year-old Brittany, Quill, she shared, “This was Quill’s first run and my seventh. The course is challenging but fun—an incredible bonding experience. We’ll be back!”
Some stories brought extra heart. Hazel, a long-haired dachshund under a foot tall, conquered the course with her human,Gretchen Smith, a vet tech from Rome, Georgia. Their team, “Barks and Wrecks,” ran together for the first time. “Those little legs were tired, but she gave it her all,” said Smith. “Proof that little dogs can do big dog things too.”
Age was no barrier either. At 71, Patrea Pabst and her dog “Aesir is Amazing” (a German Gross Spitz from Finland) took first place in their age category. “It was tougher, muddier, and more challenging than six years ago—but we only added nine minutes to our time,” she said, dedicating the run to a friend battling cancer. “I did it to prove you should never give up.”
In the Search and Rescue (SAR) category, Patty Palumbo and her two-year-old Border Collie “Tres” took first place in the female division. “It was his first run and he loved it,” she said. Tres follows in the pawprints of Izzy, her retired SAR dog.
Fan favorite Julius, a rescue mutt with DNA from at least five breeds, ran the course twice in one day—once with each of his owners, Cody and Janelle Hanick. “Julius has now completed the course six times in just 1.5 years,” said Janelle. “This was the most challenging yet, but he pulled us through. We love the camping, the camaraderie, and the after-party. This event is unlike anything else.”
One of the most touching parts of the course is the pet memorial at the top of Heartbreak Hill, where participants place painted rocks bearing the names of beloved pets who have passed—creating a lasting tribute among the mud and milestones.
Paul Hammond, event founder and director, says the event is about far more than medals and finish times. “We design this race to push teams to their limits, but the real focus is on the bond between dog and human. This isn’t just for pet owners—it’s for working dogs, SAR teams, veterans, and anyone who shares that deep connection with their dog.”
This year’s event broke records, with 81-year-old Diane Milligan becoming the oldest competitor to complete the course, and Chris Viscovich taking the overall win with a time of 42 minutes. Average finish times ranged between 1 to 4 hours.
Many participants camped onsite for the weekend—over 400 in total—enjoying amenities like RV parking, showers, and nightly entertainment. After the mud was washed off and tails stopped wagging, the fun continued with live music from FM Revival and Stadium Drive on the main stage.
“We’re thrilled to see so many people come out to celebrate this amazing bond between dogs and their people,” said Hammond. “It’s not just a race—it’s a community.”
The next event is set for October 18th, with a Halloween theme and a reversed course for a brand-new challenge. Hammond adds, “Expect more obstacles, more costumes, and even more dog joy. Registration is already open, and we expect to sell out—so sign up early!”
Register now for the October 2025 event: OneWorld Canine Obstacle Run October 2025
