15th-annual Guardians of the Night 5K

The Guardians of the Night K9 5K Race/Run is a true night event that offers a fun, flat, fast-paced race giving runners the opportunity to run alongside Richland County Sheriff's Department K9 Deputies and their own K9 partners.

This is a certified race course and chip timing will be used for scoring.

This annual event raises funds to benefit the RCSD K9 Team. Funds pay for food, safety equipment, collars, leads and the very costly custom fit ballistic vests they need to do their jobs.

This event is also an opportunity for RCSD and the community to honor the memory K9 Fargo, who was killed in the line of duty in 2011, as well as K9 Wick, K9 Kodak, and K9 Bumi who died in the line of duty in 2024.

REGISTER NOW at www.strictlyrunning.com

Registration Fees:

• $35 - 5k timed run with t-shirt

• $35 - 5k fun run/walk with t-shirt

• $42 - Virtual run/walk with t-shirt mail delivery

Day-of race registration fee:  $50

Packet Pickup:

If you are already registered you may pick up your t-shirt and bib at Strictly Running (2515 Devine St)

• Friday, September 25 from 11am-6pm

• Saturday, September 26 from 11am - 6pm

• Saturday, September 26 after 7pm at the Fairgrounds

Frequently asked questions:

What time do I arrive and where do I park?

All guests will enter through Gate 11 for parking. That’s on the Bluff Road side of the Fairgrounds. Gate will open at 7:00pm for guests who would like to visit with RCSD deputies. The Fun Run/Walk kicks off at 8:00pm and the timed race starts at 9:00pm!

Can I bring my dog?

Friendly, well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. A few housekeeping notes:

Please clean up after them, it’s the polite thing to do!

We’ll have cool-off pools for the dogs but please make sure you have a plan to keep them hydrated!

You know your dog best, so if you’re concerned there might be a problem, have a plan in place to keep your dog safe while you run or walk the 5k.

Race Course Map:

The Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Funds raised go directly toward the support the needs of our beloved K9 team

Thank you to our Sponsors!