20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K 🐾

We’re proud to once again be part of Columbus Humane’s Defend Your Friend 5K, celebrating its 20th annual event this year! Join us on Sunday, September 13 at the brand-new Bank Run Metro Park for a morning filled with dogs, community, and an incredible cause.

Whether you’re ready to run the timed 5K, take a leisurely 1-mile walk, or simply come out to enjoy the Dog Festival, there’s something for everyone—and every step helps support Columbus Humane’s lifesaving work to fight animal cruelty, protect animals in need, and keep pets and families together.

After the race, stick around for the Dog Festival featuring local vendors and artisans, food trucks, pet-friendly activities, pet portraits, Pick-a-Toy, community partners, raffles, and plenty of fun for you and your pup!

We’re so excited to be back supporting this amazing event and celebrating 20 years of Defend Your Friend with the Columbus community. We hope to see you and your pups there!

📅 Sunday, September 13, 2026

⏰ 8 AM–12 PM

📍 Bank Run Metro Park

🏃 Timed 5K + 1-Mile Walk

🎟️ Registration: $65 pre-registration / $75 race day

Registration includes an official event T-shirt, with shirts guaranteed for the first 400 registered participants. Children 5 and under participate free unless they would like an official race bib. Every registration helps support Columbus Humane’s mission and animal cruelty investigations.