Spooky Sprint- Columbus

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.

2025 Results & Photos

Join us at​ the HOOT! Run, hike, or volunteer!

In the early morning hours the elusive and fiercely predatory population of owls have haunted Rocks and Roots trail runners since time began.

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Given their mysterious nocturnal habitats and often eerie vocalizations, owls are ripe fodder for superstitions. Owls have been considered omens of good luck, bad fortune, impending doom, wisdom, foolishness, evil and witchcraft, and even predictors of weather. Bizarre examples of owl mythology abound around the globe.

Behold the HOOT! While summer on the trails offers some of the best trail conditions, there is no shortage of challenge to be had! The rocks, the roots, and the heat of summer bring you our shortest distances, and the only half marathon we host on the trail.

When - Sunday, September 6th. All races start at 8am.

What - 10K, and Half Marathon Trail Race

Where - The Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek State Park. The start of the race is located just off of Hollenback Rd and just south of the dog park(3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035).

Don't want to run, but want to be a part of the craziness? Click here to sign up to and get a Fleet Feet voucher for your help!

Cost - Our races typically sell out 2-6 weeks prior to race day. Please note: The Hoot has a NO REFUND and NO BIB TRANSFER policy for all events.

Through May 31st - $45

June 1st - June 30th - $50

July 1st – July 30th - $55

August 1st - August 31st - $60

September 1st - Race Day - $70

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What do you get?

• Epic trail race experience!

• Event Shirt

• Event Medal

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Packet Pick Up

• Packet pickup will be held at Fleet Feet Sports in Lewis Center before the event on Friday and Saturday of race week during normal business hours.

• Race day packet pickup will beginning at 7am at the race site at Alum Creek State Park.

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The Course - Course layout is subject to change. Click here to view the Rocks And Roots Trail Map!

• The start of the race is located just off of Hollenback Rd and just south of the dog park (3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035). Watch for Fleet Feet arrows pointing you in the right direction!

• North Loop is run first in clockwise direction for first 10K.

• South Loop is run next in counter-clockwise direction for second 10K.

• Additional 0.7ish mile loop is run next to complete the Half Marathon.

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Cut-off Time

The course closes for all participants at 12:00pm. All Half Marathon participants must begin their 2nd lap before 9:45am. All Half Marathon participants must begin their final lap before 11:30am.

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