Celebrating 20 Years of Defend Your Friend
supporting animal cruelty investigations
2026 marks the 20th year of our Defend Your Friend 5K, a community tradition that raises critical funds for Animal Cruelty Investigations in Franklin County. To celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to introduce a new venue for this year’s event, Bank Run Metro Park!
Choose a 5K or 1-mile walk, then stay for an exciting fan fest featuring dog-loving vendors! Registration is $55 (kids 5 and under are free) and includes an event T-shirt. Join us as we celebrate 20 years of defending animals and building a more humane Columbus.
TWO PAWS UP FOR ALTERRA!
A big thank you to Alterra Real Estate for supporting animals — and the people who love them — in Franklin County.
Every day, Columbus Humane answers the call when animals are abused, neglected, or in danger. But we can’t do it alone. Join us for the Defend Your Friend 5K and raise critical funds for animal cruelty investigations that save lives across our community. Whether you run, walk, or just love animals, every step you take helps protect animals across Franklin County.
Sunday, september 13, 2026
Bank Run Metro Park
7:30 am - Day-of registration Opens
8:00 am - Fan Fest Opens
9:00 am - 5K Runners
9:02 am - 5K Dogs and Strollers
9:05 am - 5K Walkers
9:10 am - 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Event Highlights
Family-friendly, dog-friendly fun
T-shirt included for the first 400 registrants
Race timing and results powered by our partner, Race Penguin
Run, walk, or just show up in support—all are welcome!
Tickets
Pre-Race Registration: $50
Day-Of Registration: $55
Add-On: Official Dog Bandana: $7
*Kids 5 and under do not need to register, unless they would like a race bib. Donations to support the mission are welcomed!
amplify your support - Fundraise for Animals
Step 1: After you register, select “Start/Join a Team.”
Step 2: Create a team or join one already formed.
Step 3: Begin fundraising! Your $50 race entry fee will automatically count toward your fundraising total.
your impact in action
Columbus Humane Agents are expertly trained and authorized to lead the community’s efforts to end animal cruelty. From responding to reports from concerned citizens, to conducting comprehensive investigations, to supporting the work of prosecutors when cases go to trial, it’s one of the most challenging aspects of our work. And one that gives us a unique perspective. Every time we answer a call to investigate a potential case of cruelty or neglect, we never know what we’ll find. But we do know that whatever we find, every animal deserves nothing less than a heroic effort.
Race Packet Pick-up
More info coming soon.
If you have any questions please contact our Development Team at fundraising@columbushumane.org.
