18th Annual
Dogs welcome!
Run/Walk benefits the medical care at the
Franklin County Dog Shelter
9:00 AM
Alum Creek
Lewis Center, OH
Every dollar raised funds medical care for sick and injured dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center — because every volunteer donates their time, nothing is lost to overhead.
The Friends of the Shelter 5K for K9s is one of our largest annual fundraisers. It is a 5K run or walk and, thanks to our generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds raised goes directly to the dogs!
18
Years of Saving Dogs
Every registration, every donation, every step you take makes a real difference in saving dogs' lives
Needed each year to fund critical medical care
Receive life-saving medical treatment each year
Of all donations fund direct medical care
100% of proceeds
All funds directly support Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center dogs
Everything you need to know about the 5K for K9s
$35
Early Bird
Until
$40
Regular
–
$45
Race Day
Check-in: 8:00 AM | Race starts: 9:00 AM
Race Packet Includes:
Run/Walk Anytime, Anywhere
Complete your 5K between -, 2026
Your Route, Your Pace
Run or walk in your neighborhood, on a treadmill, or your favorite trail
Virtual Participant Perks:
Check out finisher times and photos from past races
Thanks to our generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the dogs
Want to sponsor?
Contact us at [email protected]
Join these amazing organizations in supporting the Franklin County Dog Shelter. Your tax-deductible sponsorship helps ensure that 100% of race registrations go directly to medical care for dogs in need.
View Sponsorship OpportunitiesEverything else you might be wondering about race day
Yes — dogs are welcome at the 5K for K9s. Bring your leashed four-legged friend along for the run or walk.
No. The 5K for K9s is a run or walk, and walkers are just as welcome as runners.
$35 early bird through August 1, $40 from August 2 through September 25, and $45 on race day.
Check-in opens at 8:00 AM and the race starts at 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Yes. Free parking is available at the Alum Creek State Park beach area lot, 3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035.
Your race packet includes an event T-shirt (guaranteed for pre-registration), a race bib with a timing chip, a finisher medal, a goodie bag with sponsor items, and pre- and post-race refreshments. Every participant gets a medal, in person or virtual.
Yes. Every race bib includes a timing chip, and results are posted on RunSignUp after the race.
Register for the virtual option and complete your 5K anywhere between September 24 and 27, 2026. Your T-shirt, finisher medal and goodie bag are mailed to you.
100% of the proceeds raised goes directly to the dogs. Every dollar funds medical care for sick and injured dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, and because Friends of the Shelter is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3), nothing is lost to overhead.
Yes. You can make a tax-deductible donation to Friends of the Shelter, bid on the online auction and raffle items, or sponsor the race as a business.
Still have a question? Email the race director at [email protected]
Every step you take helps save a dog's life. Join us!
In-Person Run/Walk
Join us at Alum Creek Park
From $35
Register NowVirtual Run/Walk
Run anywhere you choose
Same price
Register NowCan't participate? You can still help!
Make a tax-deductible donation to support medical care for shelter dogs
Donate NowQuestions? Email the race director at [email protected]
Find us at the Alum Creek State Park Beach Area
Beach Area
3400 Lewis Center Rd
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Check-in: 8:00 AM | Race starts: 9:00 AM
Free parking available at the beach area lot
Alum Creek Beach Area
