All-Volunteer Nonprofit Means
100% Goes to Shelter Dogs

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!

Register Now Donate

Columbus runners participating in dog shelter fundraiser 5K

18

Years of Saving Dogs

Our Impact by the Numbers

Every registration, every donation, every step you take makes a real difference in saving dogs' lives

$200K+

Annual Goal

Needed each year to fund critical medical care

300+

Dogs Helped Annually

Receive life-saving medical treatment each year

100%

Goes to Shelter Dogs

Of all donations fund direct medical care

100% of proceeds

Helping sick & injured shelter dogs since 2008

All funds directly support Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center dogs

Race Information

Everything you need to know about the 5K for K9s

Registration Pricing

$35

Early Bird

Until August 1

$40

Regular

August 2 – September 25

$45

Race Day

September 26

In-Person 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Check-in: 8:00 AM | Race starts: 9:00 AM

Alum Creek State Park (Beach Area)

Lewis Center, OH 43035

Race Packet Includes:

Event T-shirt (guaranteed for pre-registration)
Race bib with timing chip
Goodie bag with sponsor items
Pre/Post-race refreshments

Virtual 5K Run/Walk Option

Run/Walk Anytime, Anywhere

Complete your 5K between Sept 24-27, 2026

Your Route, Your Pace

Run or walk in your neighborhood, on a treadmill, or your favorite trail

Virtual Participant Perks:

Event T-shirt mailed to you
Goodie bag with sponsor items

Secure Your Spot Today

Race Results

Check out finisher times and photos from past races

2026 Results

View complete results and times from our most recent race

View Results

Previous Years

Browse through our archive of race results from previous years

Results Archive

Our Amazing Sponsors

Thanks to our generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the dogs

Want to sponsor?

Contact us at [email protected]

Become a Sponsor

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 Opportunities

Ready to Make a Difference?

Every step you take helps save a dog's life. Join us!

Choose Your Support Method

In-Person Run/Walk

Join us at Alum Creek Park

Race day experience
Official timing
Post-race celebration

From $35

Register Now

Virtual Run/Walk

Run anywhere you choose

Flexible schedule
Packet mailed to you
Share on social media

Same price

Register Now

Can't participate? You can still help!

Make a tax-deductible donation to support medical care for shelter dogs

Donate Now

Questions? Email the race director at [email protected]

Directions

Find us at the Alum Creek State Park Beach Area

Alum Creek State Park

Beach Area

3400 Lewis Center Rd