Retrieving on the Ridge: A 5K Built for Community and Purpose

On June 13th, Retrieving Independence will host the first-ever Retrieving on the Ridge 5K at Mill Ridge Park, presented by Tin Cup Mountain Whiskey.

This new event brings together runners, walkers, families, dog lovers, and supporters of all abilities for a shared purpose: expanding access to service dogs and supporting the people and programs behind their training.

It’s designed to be approachable from every angle—whether you’re running for a time, walking with friends or your dog, bringing your kids, or simply spending a morning outside supporting a cause that matters locally.

Participants can choose between a timed wave and a fun wave. Both follow the same course and finish line, with different pacing depending on how you want to experience the day. Dogs are welcome, and the event is designed with accessibility in mind, so individuals with disabilities and first-time participants are just as central to the experience as seasoned runners.

A Race That Connects & Impacts

Retrieving on the Ridge supports our work at Retrieving Independence, a Nashville-based nonprofit grounded in love, dignity, & change.

Our mission is to increase independence and restore dignity through the training and placement of service dogs. Each placement reflects months of intentional training and care, resulting in a working partnership that can meaningfully change a person’s daily life. At the same time, our training program creates opportunity for incarcerated individuals who participate in the process, building skills, structure, and experience that extend into reentry.

The impact of this race also extends beyond the program itself. It creates connection between our work and new donors, volunteers, and community members, while strengthening relationships within our existing network. In this way, it supports and expands the ecosystem around our mission—impacting the dogs in training, the clients who rely on them, the inmate trainers who help raise them, and the volunteers and staff who make the work possible every day.

What Your Registration Makes Possible

For individuals living with disabilities, a service dog can provide daily independence, safety, and confidence. Each dog represents months of training, care, and partnership made possible through community support.

When you register for Retrieving on the Ridge, you directly support that process and help fund the training and placement of future service dogs.

If you can’t attend, you can still participate by donating or sponsoring a runner or team in honor of someone else.

First Year, First Step Together

This is the inaugural Retrieving on the Ridge, and this year will set the foundation for what it becomes in the future.

If you’re joining us in person, register for your wave and plan to spend the morning at Mill Ridge Park. If you’re supporting from elsewhere, consider making a donation or sponsoring a participant. And for businesses or individuals looking to take a larger role, sponsorship opportunities are available as we build this event into a long-term tradition.

Join Us On June 13th!

Registration is open for both waves, and every level of participation helps move this work forward.