
From the Organizer
We are excited to return to Alum Creek State Park beach on Saturday, September 26th for the 18th Annual 5K for K9s!
You also have the option to run or walk with your four-legged friends virtually between 9/24-9/27 if you cannot attend the event in person.
We will have 100 great auction and raffle items online for you to bid on and feature some at the event on the 26th! All participants get a soft t-shirt, swag bag, and medal!
Friends of the Shelter is an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization established to fund the medical care of the sick and injured dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.
The Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is funded by the county budget and from funds generated through fees, such as dog licenses. However, these sources of funding are not sufficient to provide medical care for the Shelter dogs that need more than basic services.
The Friends of the Shelter was formed in 2003 to save these sick or injured—but otherwise adoptable—dogs so they can be adopted into loving, forever families.
Friends of the Shelter is an all-volunteer group of local individuals who donate their time to the day-to-day operations of the organization. Additionally, the volunteers plan and coordinate fundraising events, marketing and public relations projects and provide accounting and legal guidance. As an all-volunteer group, the organization is able to keep overhead very low, allowing over 95% of donations to help our shelter dogs in need.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Westerville, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
921 ft
Nearest Airport
CMH
John Glenn Columbus International Airport · 14 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 5K for K9s, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
108
Days to train
Coming Up
Fast Rabbits Summer Nights Race Series
Less than a mile away
Run Out Duchenne 5K
Less than a mile away
TogetherFest presented by New Balance - A Celebration of Summer Training with Fleet Feet Columbus
Less than a mile away
Fast Rabbits Summer Run Camp
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
5K for K9s
Sep 24, 2026