Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH

Date
September 13, 2026
Location
Lockbourne, OH
Venue
1570 Rohr Road
Start Time
9:00 AM
Entry Fee
$55.00 – $75.00
Events
5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website

Columbus Humane's 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival takes place on September 13, 2026, in Lockbourne, Ohio, at 1570 Rohr Road. The event offers both a 5K and a 1-mile option, with the race starting at 9:00 AM. Entry fees range from $55 to $75. If you can't race on-site, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. This event combines competitive running with a dog festival component, making it a unique option for athletes who want to support Columbus Humane while training for a fall race.

From the Race Organizer
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 7:30am: Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Begins 8:00am: Festival Opens 9:00am: 5k Run / Walk Begins 12:00pm: Event Concludes

Hotels Near This Race

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Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 13.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Lockbourne, OH. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH?

Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH takes place on September 13, 2026. The race is held in Lockbourne, Ohio.

Where is Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH held?

Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH is held at 1570 Rohr Road in Lockbourne, Ohio.

Where can I find hotels near Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival 2026 — Lockbourne, OH?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Lockbourne. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.