JOIN THE PACK

Train, Connect, Rescue

Team Dog Star is an official charity partner of the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

Who We Are

Team Dog Star is a community of runners and walkers dedicated to promoting active, healthy lifestyles for people and their dogs. Our Team hosts events all throughout the year including free family friendly dog walks and running races to raise funds for Dog Star Rescue. Whether you’re a basset hound or a greyhound, Team Dog Star has a pace and an event for you.

In 2025, Team Dog Star:

Raised nearly $30,000 for Dog Star Rescue
Fielded 71 runners and walkers in the Eversource Hartford Marathon

2026 our goal is to do even more!

JOIN US FOR

EVERSOURCE HARTFORD MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, TEAM 26.2 RELAY & CHARITY 5K!

Team Dog Star Rescue is participating in the Eversource Hartford Marathon as an official charity team. Runners and walkers can earn Hartford Marathon charity spots while fundraising to support Dog Star Rescue.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

Dog Star swag to wear with pride
Tiered Fundraising Prizes — Hit fundraising milestones and unlock gifts from our amazing sponsors. (More details to come!)
Post-Race Celebration with Team Dog Star — Meet your fellow runners, toast your finish, and share some belly rubs with our furry VIPs the day after the marathon.

I'M IN! READY TO REGISTER!

Interested, need more information please!

Train With Us

Group Training Schedule Click an event for details or to RSVP.

Looking for a fun, healthy way to spend time with your pup? Join our free group dog walks, hosted in different locations around Connecticut! Each walk is a chance for dogs and their people to explore new trails, meet fellow dog lovers, and stay active together in a welcoming, supportive community.

Looking for a casual weekend outing? Our rotating walks make it easy to get outside, connect, and keep tails wagging. All leashed dogs and fitness levels are welcome! Please sign up using the form below.

Check the schedule, find a walk near you, and come see what we’re all about. 🐾

Additional Training Plans:

Couch to 5k starts the week of August 3rd

Nike Half Marathon Training Plan starts the week of July 6th

Team Dog Star's Mission

Team Dog Star is the health and wellness initiative of Dog Star Rescue, promoting active, healthy lifestyles for people and their dogs. We build community, strengthen the human-canine bond, and raise vital funds to support Dog Star Rescue’s mission of placing dogs of all breeds and ages into loving, lifelong homes.

Barry is one of the longterm dogs still waiting for his forever home. More info at dogstarrescue.org

Meet Your Run/Walk Team Leaders

Randee Roucoulet

Pace: Walk to 12 min/mile.

"To finish is to win. Josh Billings said it but I live by it. Although technically it is a race, my goal is to finish injury free and have a good time doing it. Come run with me and I guarantee you’ll have fun while raising money and awareness for Dog Star Rescue. "

Sunny Wylde

Pace: Party Pace.

"I’m the 'Party Pacer' of the group. A 13 minute mile is quick for me. If I was any faster, I couldn’t pet all the dogs and high-five the little kids. I’m a marathon runner who doesn’t care how long it takes to finish - as long as I get the medal. If you wanna have fun, join me at the back of the pack - that’s where the party is!"

Randi Diemand

Pace: 10-12 min/mile.

"I believe slow and steady truly gets you through the run — and the race. For me, running is less about speed and more about connection, laughter, and sharing miles with good people. It’s my favorite way to catch up with friends, meet new ones, and feel part of something bigger than myself. I am proof that you don’t have to be fast to be a runner — you just have to show up. If I can do it, anyone can! I hope to encourage others to lace up, take it one steady step at a time, and enjoy the journey. "

Kate McAvoy

Pace: Steady 8-9 min/mile.

"A lifelong public servant, I believe in showing up consistently — on the job and on the road. Running is my happy place, a space to reset, connect, and challenge myself to keep improving. I love to run and chat! My runs are ideal for anyone hoping to complete a 5K to half marathon who’s looking for fun, reliable group encouragement."