Howard's Run Festival is a charity race to benefit the Allegany County Animal Shelter. Starting in 2015, the event has raised over $40,000 for Maryland's first municipal no-kill shelter. The event is managed by Sharon Everett and Ray Hunt. The festival consists of two events held the 1st Sunday in September, an out and back half marathon starting and finishing at the Canal Place stage. The second event, an out and back 5K event, also starts and finishing at the Canal Place stage area and starts shortly after the half marathon.