From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find virtual events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
The Run to the Beach 5K and One-Mile Easter Eggs Scramble on April 11, 2026, features beautiful courses that loop around Portage Lakes State Park.
Great swag! Finisher medals for ALL 5K runners and walkers.
The Run to the Beach 5K and 1-Mile Easter Egg Scramble is set to take participants for a mostly flat and fast run or walk along the lakeshore of Portage Lakes State Park, where more than 2000 acres of lakes, camping sites and hiking trails make it a popular recreation spot for boating and fishing here in northeastern Ohio.
Both races start in the parking lot near the beach area with a mix of road and trails and end on the sand on the beach.
Entrants will also receive a tech tshirt in the 5K, food and a goodie bag.
The event benefits the Portage Lakes Advisory Council. Become a race sponsor or donate to our organization by going to our fundraising page HERE. Donations can also be made through the registration process.
Location/Schedule
Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Road, Akron, Ohio 44319)
7:30 AM - Packet Pickup Begins
8:30 AM - 1-Mile Easter Egg Scramble Starts
9:00 AM - 5K Run & Competitive Walk Starts
1-Mile Easter Egg Scramble
A one-mile race, with Easter eggs along the course. Participants finish on the beach!
The Easter eggs then can be redeemed for prizes after the race. Parents of children running may run with their child for no additional charge.
Participants receive a cotton shirt.
Awards to the Top 3 Overall Males and Females.
5K Run
Finishers receive a very unique finisher medal!
Participants get a technical t-shirt.
Awards to Top 5 Overall Males and Females.
Additional awards to Top 3 in Age Categories: 11 & Under, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over.
5K Competitive Walk
All participants must walk the entire event, no running/jogging!
Finishers receive a very unique medal.
Participants will get a technical t-shirt.
Awards to Top 5 Overall Male and Female.
Team Challenge
Largest team wins no matter the time or event!
Winning team will enjoy a team prize. The team leader will be given details of the team prize.
Gather up everyone you know to be on your team. Participants can do either the 5K, 1-Mile, or the Virtual Run/Walk. Each team member signs up individually for their event and can create/join a team when registering for the event. Get your friends and/or co-works together, come up with a unique team name, and come on out! Team members must cross the finish line at the race to count! Virtual members must turn in their completion of event by Friday, May 2nd, at 5:00pm.
Your team leader should create the team and then you can choose it from the dropdown list of existing teams so that no spelling errors occur!
Join Us for the 3rd Annual James Anderson Built on Belief 7K & 1-Mile Walk for Recovery!
📅 Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
📍 Location: 916 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44314
We’re excited to announce the 3rd Annual James Anderson Built on Belief 7K & 1-Mile Walk for Recovery —an event dedicated to celebrating resilience, recovery, and community. The 1 Mile Walk is an untimed event!
Virtual: Can't participant on race day. We offer virtual so you can run the event any day/time and log your results from October 18-31!. You can pickup your items on Saturday/Sunday the weekend of our event or add on $10 for your items to be shipped to you after our event. The virtual mailing will be shipped after the event by October 23 and should be received by October 31. Virtual isn't included in the awards!
This race was inspired by James Anderson, whose journey of recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, James ran 100 miles straight over 30 hours, pushing his body and mind to the limit to raise $20,000 for our organization. His dedication and belief in the power of recovery continue to inspire others to take that next step—whether it’s one mile or one hundred.
In 2024, we launched this race as a way to honor James’ efforts and create a lasting tradition that brings the community together in support of recovery. Our inaugural event was a huge success, but we also learned a lot—and we’re making exciting improvements for 2026! This year, participants can look forward to:
✅ A newly paved driveway at the start/finish line for a smoother race experience
✅ An updated and more accurate race map to ensure precise course measurements
✅ An even better event experience with improved logistics, amenities, and more surprises!
🏅 Whether you’re running the 7K, walking the 1-mile course, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps change lives.
Register today and be part of something bigger than a race—be part of a movement.
Together, we run for recovery. Together, we believe.
T-Shirt:
Short Sleeve T-Shirt for all registrants Adult X-Small to 3X-Large. Discount is available for a No Shirt option of $5 up to Race Day! Shirts will be limited after Sunday, October 4!
Medals:
All participants will receive a medal.
Schedule:
Saturday, October 17:
12:00-4:00 PM - Pre-Packet Pickup
Sunday, October 18:
7:30 AM - Packet Pickup/Registration
9:00 AM - 7K Run/Walk Start
9:00 AM - 1 Mile Family Fun Walk Start (untimed event)
10:00 AM - 7K Awards
7K Awards:
Top 1 Overall Male & Female
Top 3 Age Group Male & Female in 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, & 70+
Sponsorship:
If your interested in sponsoring our event please visit our sponsorship page!
USA Swimming Club. 158 members.