Washington Park CrossFit found a creative way to combine fitness, fun, and fundraising this October with their first-ever Hot Dog Mile, held on October 4th at Happy Hill Park. The one-of-a-kind event brought together more than 60 participants (and plenty of dogs!) to raise money for AARF — the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem.
The idea started as a vote among gym members: a Burpee Mile or a Hot Dog Mile? The results were unanimous…hot dogs by a landslide! The WPCF crew is known for their community spirit and love for furry, four-legged friends, so supporting AARF felt like the perfect fit.
Of course, no Hot Dog Mile would be complete without, well… great hot dogs! The beloved Winston-Salem spot PB’s Takeout generously donated every single hot dog for the event, which meant 100% of the registration fees went straight to AARF. (And let’s be honest, if you’re going to eat four hot dogs mid-run, they better be PB’s!)
So, what exactly is a Hot Dog Mile? Simple! Eat a hot dog, run a lap (400 meters), and repeat four times. Some brave souls completed all four laps (and all four dogs!) solo, while others opted for relay teams of two or four. Families, friends, gym members, and even a few folks from other local gyms and The Run Club (@_therunclub) came out to join in on the fun.
The event was filled with laughter, cheering, and just the right amount of chaos—all for a great cause. Between the costumes, the creative team names, and the dogs stealing the show, it was a day to remember.
Washington Park CrossFit is already planning to bring the event back next year, and if the turnout from the first one is any indication, it’s sure to be even bigger (and tastier) the second time around.
A huge thank-you to PB’s Takeout for their generosity, and to AARF for the incredible work they do every day to rescue and rehome homeless and helpless cats and dogs across the Triad.
We’d love to encourage you to support all three of these amazing local spots that made this event possible:
AARF (Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation)
Helping homeless cats and dogs find loving homes.
aarfws.org | Instagram: @aarf_winstonsalemnc
Washington Park CrossFit
Building strength, community, and connection in Winston-Salem.
2020 Hollyrood St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
washingtonparkcrossfit.com | Instagram: @washingtonparkcrossfit
PB’s Takeout
Winston-Salem’s go-to spot for the best hot dogs in town.
1412 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 336.748.8990
Because in Winston-Salem, community means showing up—whether it’s with a barbell, a leash, or a hot dog in hand.
