7 events in Lake County, Ohio

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

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.