Columbus Humane's 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival

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

8:00am: Festival Opens, Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Begins

9:00am: 5k Run / Walk Begins

12:00pm: Event Concludes