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

Join us for Columbus Humane’s 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival, a community event raising funds to support animal cruelty investigations across Franklin County. Run, walk, or simply come celebrate animals—every step helps protect pets in need. The event takes place Sunday, September 13 at Bank Run Metro Park (1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne, OH), with the 5K beginning at 9 a.m. and the Dog Festival featuring dog-centric vendors running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds support Columbus Humane’s Animal Cruelty Investigations, where humane agents work year-round to advocate for, educate about, and rescue animals in need. The first 400 registrants will receive swag bags and event T-shirts, and the event is both dog- and family-friendly—so even if you don’t want to run, register and come enjoy the festival.