Animal Friends 5K and Dog Jog 2026 — Fairfield, OH

Location: Fairfield Youth Football Fields by Waterworks Park. 4875 Groh Lane, Fairfield, Ohio. 45014 Event Schedule 7:45 a.m. Same Day Registration and packet pickup. 9:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk begins 9:30 a.m. Dog Jog begins The day begins with a chip-timed 5K run/walk (3.1-mile) for people only, followed by our leisurely 1.5 mile Dog Jog. Don’t want to run/walk? Then come and cheer on the participants. We will have snacks, including FLUBS ICE CREAM cones and pup cups ! The Petmobile will be attending if you are looking to bring home a new family member. 5K Registration is $35. Race Day Registration fee is $40. 5k Participants will run or walk our official timed 5K route (3.1 miles) (no pets allowed in the 5K event). Dog Jog Registration is $30 . Race Day Registration fee is $35. Dog Jog Participants can jog or walk our 1.5 mile route with your dog by your side. The Dog Jog will not be a timed event. There will be a limited number of adoptable dogs from the shelter available to walk the dog jog course. Go to the Petmobile and mobile adoption area to sign up to walk with a furry friend from AFHS. Each registered participant will receive: An event medal (for the first 200 5K finishers) A swag bag of giveaways from our generous sponsors. Awards to top 3 male and top 3 female 5k runners. Flubs Ice Cream Treats for all registered participants and pup cups for our furry friends. T-shirts are available for purchase when you register through May 24. A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase on race day. Animal Friends 5K and Dog Jog Tribute Signs - $30 - available through May 15. Honor your loyal companion by purchasing a 5K and Dog Jog Tribute Sign to celebrate a pet that means the world to you or as a memorial to honor a beloved pet no longer by your side. Your tribute sign will feature your pet’s name and color picture enlarged on a sign and placed along the Dog Jog race path. The tribute sign is yours to keep after the event. Purchase your sign while signing up for the event, or by clicking on the donation/tribute sign link at the top of this page. After purchase, please upload a high resolution photo (jpeg or png format), pet name and remembrance information by completing the GOOGLE FORM found when you make your purchase. FAQs Can my dog run the 5K with me? Dogs are not permitted in the 5K for safety reasons. We encourage those who would prefer to include their dog to participate in the 1.5 mile Dog Jog after the 5K event. What if it rains? Don’t even say it! The 5K and Dog Jog is a rain-or-shine event, and there is no scheduled inclement weather date. Because this is an important fundraiser that Animal Friends depends upon to support the care of homeless animals, we will not issue refunds to participants who are unable to attend or for weather. Will food and drinks be available? Yes. Some snacks including Flubs ice cream will be provided to participants and our furry friends. When can I pick up my bag, bib number and T-shirt? Bags, bib numbers and T shirts will be available to pick up at check in the morning of the race. Check in is in the Fairfield Youth Football Fields parking lot. What are the safety rules or requirements for participation in the Dog Jog? The following rules are in effect during the course of the day’s activities, including the 1.5 mile Dog Jog: One dog per person is allowed in the Dog Jog. Multiple people may walk with one registered dog, but we ask that each human participant not walk more than one dog during the Dog Jog. Please display ID tags on your pet’s collar and keep him or her on a short leash and under control at all times. Flexi/retractable leads are not permitted. Animal Friends reserves the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be deemed dangerous to others. We ask that participating pets be current on vaccinations and not be in heat/season. Please be kind to your four-legged companion and maintain a leisurely pace during the Dog Jog. If you bring a dog, please be sure to clean up after them. My dog (or I) are not in great shape. Can we still participate? Absolutely! Most dogs and their guardians who participate may prefer to leisurely walk the 1.5 mile loop instead of running it. We will have refreshing water stops along the way for both two-legged and four-legged Dog Jog participants. Are strollers allowed in the Dog Jog? Strollers/baby joggers are allowed in the Dog Jog but not in the 5K. If you are strolling your child, we ask that you bring a friend or family member to walk your dog.