5K for K9s 2026 — Lewis Center, OH

We are excited to return to Alum Creek State Park beach on Saturday, September 26th for the 18th Annual 5K for K9s ! You also have the option to run or walk with your four-legged friends virtually between 9/24-9/27 if you cannot attend the event in person. We will have 100 great auction and raffle items online for you to bid on and feature some at the event on the 26th! All participants get a soft t-shirt, swag bag, and medal! Friends of the Shelter is an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization established to fund the medical care of the sick and injured dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center. The Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is funded by the county budget and from funds generated through fees, such as dog licenses. However, these sources of funding are not sufficient to provide medical care for the Shelter dogs that need more than basic services. The Friends of the Shelter was formed in 2003 to save these sick or injured—but otherwise adoptable—dogs so they can be adopted into loving, forever families. Friends of the Shelter is an all-volunteer group of local individuals who donate their time to the day-to-day operations of the organization. Additionally, the volunteers plan and coordinate fundraising events, marketing and public relations projects and provide accounting and legal guidance. As an all-volunteer group, the organization is able to keep overhead very low, allowing over 95% of donations to help our shelter dogs in need.