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

Date

September 13, 2026

Location

Lockbourne, OH

Venue

1570 Rohr Road

Start Time

9:00 AM

Sunrise

7:10 AM

Entry Fee

$55.00 – $75.00

Events

5K Run/Walk (Includes Event Shirt), 1 Mile Fun Run (Includes Event Shirt)

Includes

T-Shirt

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

Celebrating 20 Years of Walking For Animals Walk. Run. Fundraise. Make a Difference. For 20 years, the Defend Your Friend 5K has been Columbus Humane’s biggest fundraiser of the year, bringing together hundreds of animal lovers to raise critical funds that power our lifesaving work for animals in need. Whether you run the 5K, walk the 1-mile route, fundraise with friends or attend virtually, your participation helps Columbus Humane fight animal cruelty, help animals in need and advocate for their well-being all year long. Sunday, September 13, 2026 Bank Run Metro Park 1570 Rohr Rd. | Lockbourne, OH 8:00 AM | Festival, packet pickup & race registration open 9:00 AM | 5K & 1-mile walk begin 12:00 PM | Event concludes Bring Your friends. Bring Your Pup. There’s something for everyone! You don't have to be a serious runner to be part of Defend Your Friend 5K. Choose the experience that's right for you: 5K Run/Walk: Go for a personal best, run with friends or enjoy the course at your own pace. 1-Mile Walk: A relaxed option for families, casual walkers and anyone who wants to participate without running the 5K. Fundraise for Columbus Humane: Turn your participation into even more support for animals by creating a fundraising page and rallying your community. Virtual Supporter: Can’t make it? Show your support and secure your t-shirt. Your registration includes: - Race bib - Official Defend Your Friend event T-shirt - Professional race timing provided by Race Penguin - 5K or 1-mile participation - Access to the Dog Festival - The first 400 registered participants will also receive a swag bag. Turn Your Registration Into Even More Impact: Become a Fundraiser Your registration gets you to the starting line. Fundraising helps us go even further for animals in need. Start a fundraising page and tell your friends! Anyone can be part of your fundraising team. Getting started is easy: 1. Register. Choose the 5K, 1-mile walk, or virtual supporter option. 2. Start or join a fundraising team. Make it a challenge with your family, friends or coworkers. 3. Share your page. Invite your community to help you reach your goal. Your registration fee counts toward your fundraising total, and every dollar raised helps Columbus Humane provide shelter, medical care and second chances for animals who need us most. start your fundraiser

Course & Travel Notes

The Columbus Humane's 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K takes place at 732 feet elevation in Lockbourne, Ohio, which is low enough that most runners won't experience significant altitude effects on their pacing. With sunrise at 7:11 AM and a 9:00 AM start time, you'll have good morning light for the race. Early September weather in this area typically features highs around 80°F and lows near 54°F, with about a 23% chance of measurable rain on any given day, so pack layers and be prepared for possible wet conditions. Rickenbacker International Airport is conveniently located just 2.4 miles from the venue, making travel straightforward.

⛰️ 732 ft elevation☀️ Typically 80°F / 54°F · 23% chance of rain✈️ Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) — 2.4 mi

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
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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.