Columbus Humane's 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival
- Date Sun 13th September 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Lockbourne, Ohio
- Price $60.44 - $71.16
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Join us for a celebration of compassion at Columbus Humane's 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Lockbourne, Franklin County! This vibrant community event is dedicated to raising funds for animals in need throughout Franklin County. Over the past two decades, participants have come together to make a difference, and this year promises to be even more special as we gather at our exciting new location, Bank Run Metro Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, you can choose to participate in the timed 5K or enjoy a leisurely 1-mile walk. Every step you take supports lifesaving care for animals, protects them from cruelty, and promotes a more humane community. Registration includes a Defend Your Friend T-shirt and professional race timing provided by Race Penguin. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a heartwarming event that transforms lives – mark your calendars and bring your furry friends along for a day of fun and festivities!
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, you can choose to participate in the timed 5K or enjoy a leisurely 1-mile walk. Every step you take supports lifesaving care for animals, protects them from cruelty, and promotes a more humane community. Registration includes a Defend Your Friend T-shirt and professional race timing provided by Race Penguin. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a heartwarming event that transforms lives – mark your calendars and bring your furry friends along for a day of fun and festivities!
Organiser's Description
JOIN COLUMBUS HUMANE'S 20TH ANNUAL DEFEND YOUR FRIEND 5K & DOG FESTIVAL, A COMMUNITY EVENT RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT ANIMALS IN NEED ACROSS FRANKLIN COUNTY.
For 20 years, our community has come together for one incredible morning to change the lives of animals. Every step taken at Defend Your Friend helps Columbus Humane provide lifesaving care, protect animals from cruelty, keep pets with the families who love them and create a more humane community for all.
Join us on Sunday, September 13, 2026, as we celebrate this milestone anniversary at our exciting new location, Bank Run Metro Park, located just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Whether you choose the timed 5K, the 1-mile walk or simply come to enjoy the festival, you'll be making a difference for thousands of animals who rely on Columbus Humane every year.
Registration includes a Defend Your Friend T-shirt and professional race timing provided by Race Penguin. Stay tuned for this year's T-shirt design. Children 5 and under do not need to register unless they would like an official race bib and T-shirt.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7 Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Begins
8 Festival Opens
9 5k Run / Walk Begins
12 Event Concludes
For 20 years, our community has come together for one incredible morning to change the lives of animals. Every step taken at Defend Your Friend helps Columbus Humane provide lifesaving care, protect animals from cruelty, keep pets with the families who love them and create a more humane community for all.
Join us on Sunday, September 13, 2026, as we celebrate this milestone anniversary at our exciting new location, Bank Run Metro Park, located just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus.
Whether you choose the timed 5K, the 1-mile walk or simply come to enjoy the festival, you'll be making a difference for thousands of animals who rely on Columbus Humane every year.
Registration includes a Defend Your Friend T-shirt and professional race timing provided by Race Penguin. Stay tuned for this year's T-shirt design. Children 5 and under do not need to register unless they would like an official race bib and T-shirt.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7 Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Begins
8 Festival Opens
9 5k Run / Walk Begins
12 Event Concludes
Races
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1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne, 43137, OH, United States
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Columbus Humane's 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival
