9 walking events in Delaware County, Ohio

Join Trail Crew! Trail Running & Ultra Training

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Running single-track trail can be one of the most amazing experiences, but it can also be a bit intimidating if you aren't familiar with the terrain. That's where we come in! Join Fleet Feet & Hoka's Trail Crew and we will help you explore until you are ready to head out on your own. You'll meet new friends and discover a love of trail running along the way!

Benefits of Trail Running

Trail running is a well-rounded workout - It benefits both the body and mind!

Trail running helps build strength in your core and back, and increases flexibility in your upper and lower body. Spending time in nature is a great way to soothe the stress of the day, relaxing the mind and helping you explore running in a serene environment without the distraction of cars, stoplights, or city noises.

One of the most advantageous benefits of incorporating trail running into your training is that it helps lower the risk of injury. The soft surface of the trails we run helps lessen the impact on your body and joints, providing more cushion in comparison to the hard pounding on concrete or pavement of road running. Trail running also allows an athlete to add variety in to their training, and take a mental and physical break from monotonous road miles.

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When can I start?

Now! Trail Crew will train all year long. If you have another goal race in mind, our training schedules are designed to accommodate! We offer customized schedules for all distances and races.

Here's what we are training for this Summer/Fall:

• Winter Season, 11/23/25 - 2/16/26 - Rocks and Roots Winter Series is the goal race, with 10k, 30k, and 50k training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and SUNDAYS at 8am... both days at Rocks And Roots Trail at Alum Creek. (If trail conditions are poor, we will move the run to Highbanks Metro Park)

• Spring Season, 4/6/26 - 6/29/26 - Firefly Overnight Endurance Challenge. 10k, 30k, and 50k training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and SUNDAYS at 8am... both days at Rocks And Roots Trail at Alum Creek.

• Summer Season, 5/25/26 - 9/6/26 - The Hoot Half Marathon and 10k. 10k, Half Marathon training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and SUNDAYS at 8am... both days at Rocks And Roots Trail at Alum Creek.

• Fall Season, 8/9/26 - 11/1/26 - Autumn Squatch 10k, 20k and 50k training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and SUNDAYS at 8am... both days at Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek.

How far do I need to be able to run before getting started?

Zero miles! We will get you from wherever you are today to the starting line with our proven program! However, if you know you will prefer walking in the woods to running, check out our Hiking Club here.

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When are the workouts?

The group hosts two organized workouts per week:

• Sunday mornings at 8:00am

• Thursday evenings at 7:00pm

We offer training programs from 10K to 50K, and will support those of your crazy folks training for longer races as well with a training plan (if this is you, you may have to log a few solo miles out there before our after our meetups).

Where are the workouts?

Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek, located at 3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035. Changes to workout locations are communicated via email and our Trail Crew Facebook group.

What do I need to get started?

A desire to get moving! Getting properly fit for running shoes will certainly help, but that can always wait until after the first workout.

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Okay, I'm listening! How much is membership and what do I get?

There are several options for Trail Crew Membership this year.

1. Trail Crew Annual Membership (Includes RnR Feb, Firefly, Hoot and Squatch Races & Annual Trail Crew Swag) = $300

2. Trail Crew Winter Membership (Includes RnR Feb) = $90

3. Trail Crew Winter Membership (Includes Firefly) = $90

4. Trail Crew Winter Membership (Includes Hoot) = $90

5. Trail Crew Winter Membership (Includes Squelch) = $90

What's included with membership:

• Customized Training Schedule

• 2x Structured group workouts per week

• Trail Crew Shirt (one for each season registered!)

• Trail Crew Sticker

• Any applicable race swag for the races included in your membership

ALSO...

• Weekly motivational and educational coaching emails.

• Curated educational content from the most respected medical professionals in the running and walking community.

• Unparalleled motivation and the camaraderie of fellow participants with the same training goal

• Fleet Feet Discount - 10% off everything, plus 10% back in rewards.

• HOKA-sponsored demo runs and events.

JOIN FLEET FEET X HOKA TRAIL RUNNING CREW TODAY!

MIT 2025 MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS & DATES:

MIT Annual Membership (Beginner & Intermediate Training Program) - January 10th - October 18th, 2026

Winter/Spring Training Season - January 10th - April 26, 2026

Summer/Fall Training Season - June 20th - October 18th, 2026

WEEKLY WORKOUTS:

Saturdays - LONG RUNS

Wednesday - GRIT WORKOUTS (Track, Hills, & Interval Work)

Description:

Group half & full marathon training program for Cap City Half Marathon and Glass City Marathon (Winter/Spring) Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Half & Full Marathon (Summer/Fall).

Run Locations:

Varying workout locations centrally located in Columbus, OH (Downtown, Clintonville, Upper Arlington) and surrounding suburbs (Worthington, Lewis Center, Westerville, Gahanna, etc.)

Overview:

Half & Full Marathon training is challenging, but Fleet Feet Columbus’s MIT (Marathoner-in-Training) will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to reach the finish line.

In 2025, MIT trained over 700 runners and walkers for their Spring and Fall races, and we are so excited to support our next cohort of athletes in 2026.

As Columbus’s premier group training program, MIT has helped tens of thousands of runners and walkers successfully complete their goals. Whether you’re new to this whole running thing or an experienced marathoner, our program provides training programs to meet you where you’re at.

At MIT, you’ll never have to go it alone. Your pace group coaches and fellow participants will motivate, inspire, and empower you to become a version of yourself that can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Your MIT training program is led by experienced coaches and mentors who have years of proven racing and coaching success.

Program Benefits:

• Pre-Season Guide to help prepare you for the training season.

• 18-week training plan* with 3 different experience level options (Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced)

• Weekly educational & motivational newsletters with content curated by our team of coaches and top-tier medical professionals

• 2 in-person group training runs per week

• Saturday Long Runs - Saturday morning at 8:00am led by pace groups for sub 8:00 to 12:00 pace/per mile run, 11:30-14:00 pace/per mile run/walk, or 15:00-17:00 pace/per mile WALK.

• GRIT Workouts (Wednesdays). These in-person, coach-led workouts focus on building grit, speed, and strength. Workout types include track workouts, hill repeats, interval runs, etc.

• Hydration support at group workouts (Water & Gatorade Endurance)

• Exclusive discounts on Fleet Feet Races & M3S Races

• Race Day Perks

• Fit For Life Physical Therapy Injury Hotline, 48-Hour Care Guarantee

• Mid-season social events and volunteer opportunities

• 10% off at all Fleet Feet Columbus Retail Store Locations

*Training plan adjustments for other Spring and Fall Marathons are available by request. Email [email protected].

MIT SWAG

Seasonal Members will receive a training tech shirt.*

Annual members will receive a trainng tech shirt*and a cozy MIT sweatshirt.

*Racing singlets available for purchase.

*Please note that if you signed up after January 1st, 2026, SWAG might not be available in your size. We cannot guarantee swag after kickoff on January 10th. If you'd like to opt to not receive SWAG, please email [email protected] to receive a discount code.

WINTER/SPRING DATES

Saturday, January 10th: MIT KICKOFF with NEW Balance!

Wednesday, January 14th: First Group GRIT Workout

Saturday, April 11th: RUN COLUMBUS RUN Community 12 Miler

Saturday, April 25th: SPRING GOAL RACE - Cap City Half Marathon

FALL DATES

Saturday, June 20th: TogetherFest presented by New Balance: MIT KICKOFF!

Wednesday, June 24th: First Group GRIT Track Workout

Saturday, September 12th: RUN COLUMBUS RUN Community 10 & 20 Miler

Saturday, October 17th: MIT SHAKEOUT RUN

Sunday, October 18th: Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Half & Full Marathon

2026 KICK OFF IS ON JANUARY 10th! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Our 5K to 10K program is designed to educate, motivate, inspire, and train those to do something they previously thought was impossible - complete a race! We do that through our incredible coaches who know what it takes to be successful.

Yes, you will finish your race but we know the true accomplishment of our No Boundaries5K-10K program is the commitment you will make to yourself - to live a healthier and more fit lifestyle. And that is something that will reward you for a lifetime!

What is No Boundaries?​

No Boundaries is a 5K to 10K training program. Our group trains for 4 races per year, one per season.

What do I get?​

• Comprehensive Training Schedule

• Training Shirt

• Two structured weekly group workouts on Wednesday evenings and Saturday morning. Locations and times vary.

• Weekly motivational and educational coaching newsletter.

• Curated educational content from the most respected medical professionals in the running and walking community.

• Unparalleled motivation and the camaraderie of fellow participants with the same training goal!

• Race day support.

• Race entry is NOT included. You will need to register separately for the race.

• Fleet Feet Discount – 10% off everything, plus 10% back in rewards through the Fleet Feet App.

How much does it cost?

​$65 per season

When can I start?

We launch a new training cycle every season! We offer customized schedules for the following 5K (3.1 miles) and 10k (6.2 miles) races:

• Winter season starting January 10th - Training for Scioto Miles 5k or 10k on March 1, 2026

• Spring season starting March 7th - Training for Cap City OhioHealth 5k or Quarter Marathon on April 25, 2026.

• Summer season starting June 20th - Training for Grandview Yard 5k/Quarter Marathon on August 16, 2026.

• Fall season starting August 29th - Training for autumn 5K and 10K race TBD.

• Sign up for the Annual Membership! Offered only in October through December, the No Boundaries Annual Membership includes all fours seasons of training, plus the No Boundaries Cozy Sweatshirt!

How far do I need to be able to run before getting started?

Zero miles! Our program is designed for people of all experiences and skill levels. We will teach you everything you need to know to get started, or everything you need to reach new running goals!

​When are the group workouts?

Workouts are on Saturday mornings, and Wednesday evenings. Time and locations vary seasonally, and are announced via our exclusive member newsletter.

Race start times: 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 7:55 AM, 5K at 8:00 AM

Do you love Alum Creek Lake, Delaware Lake, Deer Creek Lake, Paint Creek Lake, Dillon Lake, or Tom Jenkins Lake/Burr Oak Dam? Then show us some dam love, and join us for the 5th Annual Just Another Dam Race 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run!

The events will be held entirely in the Alum Creek State Park wooded trails and on Alum Creek Dam! It will kick off from the south section of the Alum Creek State Park Beach parking lot at 8:00 AM (the 1-mile fun run/walk will step off at 7:55 AM). Every participant on race day will receive a finisher medal. Bring your friends, family, neighbors, or anyone for some dam fun!

Please join us for our 14th annual 5K run/walk fundraiser. This event helps us to bring important resources to our clients and the community.

ASHA-Ray of Hope exists to support and counsel individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Ohio, especially in the South Asian community. Through advocacy, collaboration and awareness activities, ASHA will help educate the greater community and connect individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve self-reliance.

With our partners at Asics and Race Penguin, we're happy to bring back

The Fast Rabbits Summer Nights Race Series!!!

Presented by: Asics and Race Penguin

Come race with Fast Rabbits all summer long!

One of the most frequent questions we get about Youth Running is "What are some kid friendly races that have a lot of kids running?"

While we can always recommend any Race Penguin event, we thought to ourselves: there should be a kid-centered event. One where kids could come and try out running events if they were new to it, or challenge themselves to run further or faster than they had before. Maybe even get ready for their cross country season in the fall!

So what is this?

A three event race series to take place in June, July, and August!

RACE DATES

JUNE 11th

JULY 16th

AUGUST 13th

The races will start promptly at 6:00pm in the evening, so parents and kiddos can get to the races on time!

Sounds great! Where are the races?

We have a loop course at Glacier Ridge Metro Park.

The races will start at the Dog Park area of the park (Google Maps pin here)

Course Map (1 and 2 mile options)available here

Course Map (1/2 mile option) available here

That's fun! How much does it cost?

Individual events are $15.00 each, with an optional t-shirt add-on of $10.

If you sign up for all 3 events at once the cost is $40.

That's a great deal for a summer of racing!

Anything else I should know?

Our partners at Asics will be at each event to hand out fun goodies and some snacks for pre/post run.

We'll have some popsicles for after the race for athletes and parents to enjoy!

Make sure to craft a sign at packet pick-up to help you cheer on your young athlete!

Want to volunteer while your youngin runs? Click here and earn a Fleet Feet Voucher for your efforts!

Race day schedule is listed below:

Registration tables open at 5:15pm

(registration and PPU will be manned through 7:30pm)

1/4-mile race (5 and Under ONLY): 5:55pm

1/2-mile race: 6:05pm

1-mile (Grades K-5): 6:20pm

1-mile (Grades 6-12): 6:35pm

All-Comer's (Adults) Mile: 6:50pm

2-mile (Grades K-5): 7:05pm

2-Mile (Grades 6-12): 7:35pm

(kindly note this schedule might change before race day based on registration and/or other factors)

My athlete has never raced before, can I run with them?

Yes, you can!

However due to to course and safety limitations we must stipulate that only 1 parent of a registered athlete can run with them at a time.

Otherwise, we ask that adults stay off the course as much as possible and let the kids have their fun!

Oh, What about Packet Pick-Up? Where/when will that be?

Packet pick-up will be at the Fleet Feet Lewis Center location (google maps address here)

The event series packet pick-up will be at Fleet Feet Lewis Center.

PPU Dates/Times are as follows:

Wednesday June 11th 11am-5:15pm

Wednesday July 9th 11am - 5:15pm

Wednesday August 13th 11am - 4:30pm

Will there be on-site Race Day registration and/or Packet Pick-Up?

We will have race day registration, and packet pick-up!

If you are registering on-site on race day, be sure to bring your phone and/or credit card as our friends at Race Penguin will have a QR code to sign up using your phone.

Volunteers may be able to assist you by walking you through on your phone, but may not be able to help sign you up.

How do I choose the distance my athlete will race? Can they switch distances?

Sure thing! We understand that young athletes have their ups and downs just like adult athletes. It's best to talk with your athlete multiple times before race day to see what distance they'd like to run. Try to ask them if they'd like to beat their previous best mile time, or try a new distance. It's always good to remind athletes that it's ok to be nervous about a race, but just remind them that they'll learn something from each race experience no matter how it goes.

Athletes should try to make their decision before the race if possible, but if they need to switch after doing one loop they need to immediately tell the Race Penguin timing staff so we can ensure correct results.

If they are switching from the 1/2-mile race to another distance, DO NOT START WITH THE OTHER 1/2 MILE RACERS. Please see the Race Penguin staff before the start of the race you're planning on racing so they can switch you.

You will select your distance FOR ALL THREE EVENTS during registration. If you need to switch a distance for a particular event, please reach out as soon as possible.

Bring a used piece of athletic equipment to any of the races, and receive a portion of your race fee refunded!

We're partnering with Leveling the Playing Field a wonderful organization that collects new and lightly used athletic equipment to expand access in youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities in central Ohio.

We'll have collection bins at each of the races, so please bring some lightly used or new athletic equipment for us to collect together!

We'll collect your registration information and issue the refunds after the races!

Click here to view their website and learn more!

Introducing TogetherFest presented by New Balance: A Summer Celebration of Movement and Community

Get ready to kick off your training season in style at TogetherFest – Fleet Feet’s brand-new summer beach party and celebration of movement, happening Saturday, June 21st from 8 AM to 12 PM at Alum Creek Beach!

Presented by New Balance and MIT, and in partnership with our Fleet Feet Columbus training groups and sponsors — Brooks, adidas, HOKA, ASICS, SaltStick, Amphipod, and CEP — this inaugural event is designed to unite our community in one joyful, energizing morning of connection and movement.

🏖️ What to Expect at TogetherFest:

Run Together. Walk Together. Hike Together. Move Together.

Whether you're starting a new training journey or celebrating your ongoing progress, TogetherFest is an inclusive, high-energy event for runners, walkers, hikers, and movers of all paces.

Come out and enjoy:

• Group runs, walks, and hikes to launch the summer training season:

• Marathoner in Training: 3 and 6 mile road-running options, full supported with pace groups and hydration

• EDGE: 12 mile run at an 8:00-9:00 pace.

• No Boundaries: .5 and .75 mile road-running options, fully supported with coaching groups

• Trail Crew & Hiking Club: Trail Running and Hiking options

• Fast Rabbits: 1hr Youth Running Program led by expert coaches

• A beach-themed celebration complete with swimming, giant inflatables, and post-movement fun

• Complimentary Kona Ice treats and a classic hot-dog grilling station

• Interactive sponsor activations and giveaways

• Plenty of opportunities to connect and learn more about our training groups, meet new friends, and celebrate everything that makes our community special

TogetherFest is more than just a party — it’s a moment to come together, amplify our shared commitment to movement, and build excitement for the training season ahead.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details including site maps, course options, and ways to get involved.

Let’s kick off the summer together – see you at the beach!