Every second counts inside Michigan State University’s Veterinary Medical Center. For Matthew Beal, director of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Services, caring for the medical needs of pets is not just a job, but a mission that started over 15 years ago.

Accidents happen for pets, too, which can lead to unexpected medical and surgical care that can cause great financial stress to pet owners. The IRONDOG Fund was established to provide life-saving medical and surgical care for patients at MSU’s Veterinary Medical Center and to serve as a vital resource for pet owners to ensure that their beloved animals receive the treatment they need.

To help raise awareness and receive donations, the IRONDOG Fund hosts an annual 5K open to participants and their pets as well as sponsors. Now in its 12th year, the run will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. March 21, allowing participants the opportunity to help support pets in crisis. More information, including how to register and/or make a donation, is available at the IRONDOG 5K web page.

So how did the fund come to fruition and what is the history of the 5K?

Mission of the IRONDOG Fund 

Beyond covering medical costs, the IRONDOG Fund provides emotional relief for what Beal calls “the human end of the leash.” Typical grants of around $500 can help cover blood transfusions, minor surgeries or other urgent needs, often easing the weight of an overwhelming moment.

Despite its name, the IRONDOG Fund supports more than dogs. The fund has helped cats and even horses when emergencies arise.

“When people see that we’re willing to help where we can, it really matters,” Beal said. “They know we’re doing everything possible, just like they are.”

That support has created a lasting, pay-it-forward culture. The fund’s first recipient, a young pet owner whose critically ill German shorthaired pointer received emergency care, later returned to East Lansing to run the IRONDOG 5K alongside the veterinary team who helped save the dog’s life. Similar stories continue each year.

“Veterinary care is expensive, especially high-level emergency care like we provide here,” said Beal. “We see clients who want to do everything possible for their pet, but finances must be part of that decision. This race helps us step in and help when it matters most.”

History of the annual 5K 

The IRONDOG 5K was founded in 2010 by Beal and then-student Christian Weder, now a veterinary cardiologist, after recognizing how often financial barriers affect emergency treatment decisions.

Drawing on their shared love of endurance sports, the pair created a race with a clear purpose: raise funds to bridge the gap between what pet owners can afford and the care their animals need. Early fundraising efforts even included running back and forth across the Grand Canyon to seed the fund.

What began as a small initiative has grown into a student-driven, community-supported event with real-world impact. Today, MSU students play a central role in organizing and promoting the race, particularly those who work in the Emergency and Intensive Care Unit.

“I give all the credit to the students,” Beal said. “They’re the ones who drive the enthusiasm, especially those who see these cases firsthand in the ER and ICU. They’re passionate, creative and great at getting the word out.”

That momentum was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person events were paused for several years. But when the IRONDOG 5K returned last year, it came back stronger than ever, drawing more than 500 participants and marking the largest registration in the event’s history.

The race’s success is fueled by broad community collaboration. Local partners like Playmakers help with race-day logistics, while corporate sponsors and local organizations offset costs so that nearly all registration dollars can support patient care.

“Our goal is to pay for the event through fundraising and sponsorship,” Beal said. “That way, what people pay to participate goes directly to helping pets.”

This year’s race 

As the 2026 IRONDOG 5K approaches, the mission remains the same: remove financial barriers so medical teams can focus on saving lives, not calculating costs. Participants will follow a scenic route through MSU’s campus and receive a special edition race shirt, but the true impact extends far beyond race morning.

Whether running for a personal best or walking in memory of a beloved pet, participants help ensure that when the next emergency arrives at the Veterinary Medical Center, resources are available to give patients a fighting chance.

On race day, Beal isn’t running alongside participants. Instead, he serves as race director, often leading runners out on a bike to keep the course on track. For him, the reward comes later.

More information about the IRONDOG 5K

Those interested in the March 21 IRONDOG 5K can register online, and if you cannot attend but want to donate, select the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital Irondog Fund in this donation listing. 

The race will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and participants are to meet at 888 Conrad Road in East Lansing.