Celebrating 20 Years of Defend Your Friend
Walk. Run. Make a Difference for Animals.
Humane Agents, 1995
For 20 years, our community has come together for one incredible morning to change the lives of animals. Every step taken at Defend Your Friend helps Columbus Humane provide lifesaving care, protect animals from cruelty, keep pets with the families who love them and create a more humane community for all.
Join us on Sunday, September 13, 2026, as we celebrate this milestone anniversary at our exciting new location, Bank Run Metro Park.
Whether you choose the timed 5K, the 1-mile walk or simply come to enjoy the festival, you'll be making a difference for thousands of animals who rely on Columbus Humane every year.
Registration is $65 and includes an official event T-shirt. Children 5 and under participate free. Ticket prices increase to $75 on September 6.
Register today and help give every animal the future they deserve.
Every Step Saves Lives
Every day, Columbus Humane cares for animals with nowhere else to turn.
From rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect to providing shelter, medical care, adoption services and affordable community resources that help keep pets with the families who love them, your support makes this work possible.
When you participate in Defend Your Friend, you're helping animals receive the second chances they deserve while strengthening programs that serve people and pets throughout our community.
Together, we can build a kinder future for animals.
Sunday, september 13, 2026
Bank Run Metro Park | 7:30am-12:00pm
Event Highlights
There's something for everyone!
Timed 5K or leisurely 1-mile walk
Dog Festival admission included with registration (festival-only guests are welcome too!)
Official event T-shirt for the first 400 registered participants
Professional race timing by Race Penguin
Local artisan market featuring handmade goods and pet-inspired creations
Delicious local food trucks
Exciting raffle featuring pet-friendly prize packages (coming soon!)
Dog activities including Pick-a-Toy, pet portraits and more
Pet-friendly vendors and community partners
Fun for families, friends and dogs of all ages
Dog Festival
The celebration continues after you cross the finish line.
Spend the morning exploring our Dog Festival, where you'll discover local artists and makers, enjoy delicious food and let your pup enjoy activities created just for them.
Be sure to stop by:
Local artisan market
Food trucks
Pick-a-Toy
Pet portraits
Interactive dog activities
Community partner booths
Raffle with exciting prizes (coming soon!)
Whether you're running, walking or simply joining us for the festival, there's plenty to experience while supporting animals in need.
5k Registration
Pre-Registration: $65
Race Day Registration: $75
Children 5 and under do not need to register unless they would like an official race bib.
Every registration directly supports Columbus Humane's mission to fight animal cruelty, help animals in need and advocate for their well-being.
Make an Even Bigger Impact
Fundraise for Columbus Humane
Your registration gets you to the starting line. Fundraising helps even more animals.
Creating a fundraising page is easy and is one of the most meaningful ways you can support Columbus Humane.
How it works:
Register for Defend Your Friend.
Start or join a fundraising team.
Share your page with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers.
Your registration fee counts toward your fundraising total, and every dollar raised helps provide shelter, medical care, cruelty investigations and second chances for animals who need us most.
Together, we can save more lives.
Race Packet Pick-up
Packet pick-up information will be announced soon. Please check back for details.
Ready to Defend Your Friend?
Celebrate 20 years of compassion, community and lifesaving impact while making a difference for animals across central Ohio.
Whether you're running for a personal best, walking with your family or cheering from the sidelines, you'll be part of something bigger.
If you have any questions please contact our Development Team at fundraising@columbushumane.org.
