5K for K9s logo
Running

5K for K9s

Date
September 24–27, 2026
Distance
5K · Virtual 5K
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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

5KSat, Sep 26 · 9 AMRegister →
Virtual 5KThu, Sep 24 · 12 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

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.

Sunrise 7:22 AMSunset 7:28 PMDaylight 12h 5m

Host City

About Lewis Center, OH

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

What Are You
Waiting For?

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

Race
5K for K9s
Date
September 24–27, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

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.

Read the Guide

Running

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)

What is the 5K for K9s?
5K for K9s is a running race held in Lewis Center, Ohio on September 24, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the 5K for K9s?
Thursday, September 24, 2026 in Lewis Center, Ohio at Alum Creek State Park Beach, Lewis Center, OH. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the 5K for K9s?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

5K for K9s

Sep 24, 2026

Register →