16 events in Lake County, Ohio

Groundhog Day 5K has been Postponed to February 8th!

Groundhog Day 5K – February 8, 2026

Location: Lake County Fairgrounds, Painesville, OH

Start Time: 9:00 AM

Will the groundhog see its shadow? Either way, we’re celebrating with a fun, family‑friendly run at the Lake County Fairgrounds! Join us on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for the Groundhog Day 5K, a spirited race that kicks off the new year with community, laughter, and a dash of winter magic.

• Registration includes a finisher medal, and T-Shirt

• Early packet pick-up takes place at Second Sole on Saturday, January 31st from 11:00am-4:00pm.

• Race day packet pick-up will be 2/8/2026 at Lake County Fairgrounds starting at 8:00am - 8:45am

• The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9:00am.

Olde Girdled Grit Half Marathon/Relay– February 28, 2026

Location: Parkside Elementary School, Concord Township, OH

Start Time: 8:30 AM

Imagine lacing up your shoes in the crisp chill of February, the air sharp with winter’s edge, and the trails stretching out before you like a frosted adventure. This trail Half Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s an experience that blends endurance with nature’s raw beauty.

• Registration includes a finisher medal, 1/4 Zip, Soup, and Sandwich

• Early packet pick-up takes place at Second Sole on Friday, February 27th from 11:00am - 4:00pm.

• Race day packet pick-up will be at Parkside Elementary School starting at 7:30am - 8:15am

• The Half Marathon will start at 8:30 AM.

Relay Rules/Distances

Not ready to take on the full Half Marathon? Grab your friends and conquer the Olde Girdled Grit Relay together!

Build your own team of 2, 3, or 4 runners and create a race day experience that fits your style. With flexible exchange zones, this relay is your chance to mix strategy, teamwork, and adventure.

Choose your relay exchange locations:

Girdled Road Reservation South – Mile 3.1

Girdled Road Reservation North – Mile 6.5

Girdled Road Reservation North – Mile 7.5

Girdled Road Reservation South – Mile 10

Cross the finish line together and celebrate the grit!

• transporation is not provided to and from relay locations

Rails to Trails 10 • 15 • 20 Miler

Once upon a time, trains rumbled along these tracks, carrying passengers and freight through Geauga and Lake Counties. Today, runners get to retrace that historic route, trading steel wheels for running shoes on a point‑to‑point net-downhill adventure that celebrates the spirit of the railway and the beauty of Northeast Ohio. It is a great race for those training for a spring half-marathon or marathon.

The Race

Choose your distance: 20, 15, or 10 miles along the converted rail trail to paved bike path.

Registration includes: Chip timed race, finisher medal, race shirt, and pancakes!

All races finish at the Lake Metroparks Environmental Learning Center in Concord Township, where the post-race age group awards and pancakes await!

Runners park at the finish line and ride the bus or get dropped at their starting point.

Start Lines & Times

20 Miles – 7:30 AM at Headwaters Park / Rt 608 (Huntsburg, OH)

15 Miles – 8:00 AM at Chardon Troy Road Crossing (Waterstop #2)

10 Miles – 8:30 AM at the Chardon bike path near Key Bank (220 Center St)

Finish Line Celebration

Location: Lake Metroparks Environmental Learning Center / Jordan Creek Park (7250 Alexander Rd, Concord Twp., OH 44077)

Time Limit: 5 hours

Parking: Available at the finish line. (Note: Parking is available at start areas, but no return transportation is provided.)

Post‑Race Pancakes: Stack your plate high with pancakes inside the Environmental Learning Center — you’ve earned it!

Firefly 2 Miler – May 9, 2026

Location: Lake Erie Bluffs

Start Time: 8:45 PM

The Firefly Night Race is a glowing 2‑mile adventure held at the beautiful Lake Erie Bluffs. Runners take off into the darkness as the illuminated course lights their way like a trail of dancing fireflies. Every step feels magical as the shoreline night sky wraps around the experience. After crossing the finish, participants gather to enjoy warm, melty s’mores by the fire

We strongly encourage participants to dress in their neon glowing outfits, and don't forget to bring your glow sticks!

• Registration includes a finisher medal and T-Shirt.

• Early packet pick-up takes place at Second Sole on Friday, May 8th from 11:00am - 6:00pm.

• Race day packet pick-up will be at Lake Erie Bluffs starting at 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

• The 2 miler Run/Walk will begin at 8:45 pm.

Join the WOLF PACK for a trail 1/2 Marathon, 6 Hours of Power, 10K, 5K & 20K Relay in Hueston Woods State Park! The limestone and shale bedrock of the Hueston Woods region provides evidence of the ancient shallow sea that once covered Ohio. Fossilized remnants of ancient marine animals are so abundant that the park attracts collectors year-round. Fossil hunting is just the beginning of the outdoor adventures found at this lodge park. Come and run with us on single track, pavement, grass, and everything in between!

Click HERE for more information on The Mad Maple race at Hueston Woods!

RACE PERMITTED UNDER SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATION FROM HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK

JUST RUN is designed to assist schools and other youth organizations in the promotion of fitness and healthy lifestyle choices while combating childhood obesity and its related illnesses. Not only does JUST RUN encourage physical activity, but it also promotes good citizenship, healthy eating, pride in accomplishment, and family involvement.

Each year we wrap up the program with the Just Run 5k! This is where we get the see the kids achieve what they've been working so hard on. We come together with friends and family as participants and supports to run the 5k! Family and Friends are not only welcome to participate in the 5k but encouraged to do so!

When: May 23rd, 2026

Where: Fairport Harbor Beach, Fairport Harbor Ohio.

Packet Pick-up: Thursday May 21st - 11:00AM - 6:00PM @ Second Sole Mentor

Friday May 22nd - 11:00AM- 4:00PM @ Second Sole Mentor

Lace up and join us for a scenic 5K run/walk through the beautiful grounds of Lake Farm Park!

This family-friendly event combines outdoor fun, community connection, and a great cause as we raise funds for the Peace of Mind for You Scholarship Fund. May is Mental Health Awareness month. Our mission is to provide financial assistance for individuals to receive mental health services.

DATE: May 24, 2026

TIME: 9:00 AM

LOCATION: Lake Metroparks Farm Park

SWAG: Each participant receives a t-shirt and Free entry into the Farm Park after the race!

*** FAMILY 4 PACK PRICING OF $100.00 FOR A FAMILY OF 4.

Packet Pick Up

Early Packet Pick Up: Saturday May 22, 2026 - 10:00am - Noon AND 5:00pm- 7:00pm location TBD

Race Day Packet Pick Up: Lake Farm Park (race location) 8:00am - 8:45am

Like Running or Walking? Love Wine? This race is for you!

Join us on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:00am for an exciting annual event that features the amazing scenery and landscape of Debonne Vineyards! Debonne Vineyards is best known for Riesling and Ice Wine, but also produces excellent Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin red wines, and Chardonnay and Pinot Gris white wines. Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.

Registration Includes:

• T-shirt: Super Soft Ring Spun Cotton t-shirt included!

• Wine Glass: Shatterproof, Collapsible, and Portable!

• Finisher Medal: Doubles as a Wine Stopper!

• Race Bib: Chip timed 5k run/walk

• Results Posted Online

• ...and of course, a pour of wine!

Lighthouse Half Marathon-Relay-2 Miler – June 14, 2026

Location: Fairport Memorial Park

Start Time: 7:00 AM (Half Marathon & Relay) 7:30 AM (2 Miler)

The Lighthouse Half Marathon begins and ends just a block from Lake Erie in Fairport Harbor. This flat, scenic lakeside course offers stunning views as runners make their way through Lake Metroparks Painesville Township Park, with the added bonus of watching the sun rise beautifully over Lake Erie during the run.

• Registration includes a finisher medal and T-shirt

• Early packet pick-up takes place at Second Sole on Saturday, June 13th from 11:00am - 4:00pm.

• Race day packet pick-up will be at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach starting at 6:00am - 6:45am

• The Half Marathon and Relay will begin at 7:00 AM. The 2 Miler Run/Walk will begin at 7:30 am.

The Kirtland Heritage Run began in 1984 in the early days of the Strawberry Festival. Kirtland, Ohio has a rich history and incredible landscape. The 5k and 1k walk take you to the Kirtland Temple, Historic Kirtland Village, and surrounding neighborhoods in the City of Faith and Beauty. www.visitkirland.com

Registration includes a race bib and finisher medal. Race t-shirts are available as an add-on.

Parking will be available at the Kirtland City Hall 9301 Chillicothe Road, or Lakeland Community College 7700 Clocktower Drive. (Shuttles available). Please use the crosswalks to cross Rt. 306

Hot Diggity Dog 2 Miler – June 24, 2026

Location: Lake Erie Bluffs

Start Time: 7:00 PM

Come run this family-friendly 2-mile race in the evening at the Lake Metroparks Lake Erie Bluffs. Hot Dogs and

The course runs on the road and hard-packed gravel trails.

• Registration includes a finisher medal and T-Shirt.

• Early packet pick-up takes place at Second Sole on Tuesday, June 23rd from 11:00am - 6:00pm.

• Race day packet pick-up will be at Lake Erie Bluffs starting at 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

• The 2 Miler Run/Walk will begin at 7:00 pm.