4 walking events in Lakewood, Ohio

Ready, sweat, go! Registration will open on Friday, March 13 for the 18th Annual Meltdown 5K Race and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk, the centerpieces of LakewoodAlive’s Lakewood Summer Meltdown sponsored by Cox. The Lakewood Summer Meltdown takes place Saturday, July 18, from 4 - 10 PM on Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood. The Meltdown 5K Race and the 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk both serve as a fundraiser for LakewoodAlive.

This ever-popular staple of the Summer Meltdown draws hundreds of participants annually—and for good reason! In addition to the usual race perks (fast course, chip timing, official race t-shirt, and prizes for top finishers), the Meltdown 5K offers a unique opportunity to participate in an evening race (7 PM start) with live music, food vendors, and a beer garden placed at the end of the course as a reward for your efforts. The course also offers fantastic views of Lakewood’s historic neighborhoods and the opportunity to run alongside beautiful Lake Erie.

Secure your Meltdown 5k Race registration ASAP! When you buy early, you save! The first 50 signups will be discounted to $20 followed by a pre-sale rate of $30 and registration day-of $35.

For Meltdown attendees—both young and old—interested in a more relaxed exercise experience, the 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk precedes the Meltdown 5K at 6 PM. This crowd-pleasing event is priced at $15 per participant (includes a t-shirt) and is intended for participants of all ages.

Enjoy this fun summer tradition while showing your support for LakewoodAlive; we can't wait to see you at the race! On your marks, get set, register!

For more information regarding Lakewood Summer Meltdown 2025, please visit LakewoodAlive.org/Meltdown

LOCATION (NEW!)

We are excited to announce that we have moved to the Emerald Necklace Marina in Lakewood for the race in 2026!

1500 Cleveland Metro Park Drive

Lakewood, OH 44107

START TIME

Registration/Packet Pickup - 7:00 AM

5K & 1 Mile - 8:30 AM

DISTANCE

5K Run or Walk (MyLaps BibTag chip-timed)

1 Mile Walk (non-timed)

ENTRY FEE

Pre-registration - $35

Register by Thursday, August 21, to guarantee your race shirt! Sizes are subject to availability after this date.

All mailed entries must be received by Monday, September 1, 2025

Make checks payable to Hermes Sports & Events and mail entries to:

Hermes Sports & Events

2425 W. 11th Street, Suite 2

Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Race Day Registration - $40

AWARDS

Top three male and female finishers overall will receive awards as well as top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:

• 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over

Brain aneurysm survivors will receive a medal as well

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, contact Hermes Sports & Events at (216) 623-9933

*Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on a short leash as this is an out-and-back trail race.

🎄 About the Reindeer Run

• The Reindeer Run is a holiday tradition in Lakewood, Ohio 🎅, including a 5K road race, Merry Mile (1 mile walk) and b.a. Sweetie Dasher Dash (quarter-mile race 🦌).

• This year, the Reindeer Run celebrates it's 27th year running on Sunday, December 13, 2026 at Lakewood Park!

❤️ Who does this event benefit?

• This year's Reindeer Run benefits Love Doesn't Shove 💕.

• More information can be found HERE

🎟️ Registration Information

• Online registration opens July 1 and closes 30 minutes before the start on race morning on December 13.

• Participants can register online at ReindeerRunCleveland.com

• Those paying by check can mail this paper entry form HERE with payment to Hermes Sports & Events (2425 W. 11th St. Suite 2. Cleveland, OH 44113).

• Payments must be received by Wednesday, December 10.

• Participants can also pay by cash or check and bring payment to one of the early packet pickups.

• A confirmation email will be sent once payment is received.

2025 Fees

• 💰 5K - Early Bird (July 1 - Dec 1) – $35

• 💰 5K - Late Rate (Dec 2 - Race Day) – $40

• 👦 5K - Kids (10 & under) – $25

• 🦌 Dasher Dash ( 8 & under) – $10

• Save $5 by selecting "no-shirt" at check-out

Refer and Save $

• This race is offering up to a $30 refund on your registration just by referring your friends to participate! After you register, you will receive a custom referral rewards link in your email; this should be shared with friends on social media, email or text!

• For every 3 participants to register using your personalized shareable referral code, you will receive $10 back on your original form of payment - maximum 9 referrals!

• Additional Details at https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000063164-become-a-referrer

What's Included

• A Chip Timed 5K w/ Live Results

• A Reindeer Run Swag Apparel Item

• A Reindeer Run Finisher Medal Ornament to display on your holiday tree!

• Searchable Race Photographs with Santa & Dasher

• Music, Food and Refreshments

• Overall and Age Group Awards

• Optional novelty swag for purchase including beanies and race shirts!

• Access to Event Sponsors

• The Opportunity to Support local Lakewood Charities During the Holiday Season!

• Dasher Dash Kiddos Receive a Race Bib , Goody Bag (at finish) and the Option of Santa Hat or Reindeer Antlers!

📦 Packet Pick-Up Information

• Early pickup dates & locations listed HERE later in the year!

• Participants can pick up for others, but should have their confirmation email handy just to be safe.

• If picking up for 5 or more, email [email protected] with your list and we will pre-pack for a speedier checkout

• Race Day pickup is available, but participants should plan to arrive early, as lines may be long!

🚗 Race Day Logistics & Information

• 🅿️ Where can I park on race morning?

• Parking is available in and around Lakewood Park.

• Address: 14532 Lake Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107

• Those arriving late may need to park along nearby streets

• 📅 When does each event begin?

• 🗓Sunday, December 13, 2026

• 🦌 Dasher Dash – 8:45 AM

• 🏃‍♂️ 5K Run – 9:00 AM

• 📍 Where does the race begin?

• Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107)

• 🕖 When does race day registration/packet pickup begin?

• 7:30 AM

• Those who did not pick up their race packet at an early packet pickup should plan to arrive before 8:00 am

🏅Timing, Results & Awards

⏱️ How is this race timed?

• The race is officially timed using a disposable Bib tag timing system with state-of-the-art Mylaps timing mats.

Bibs and Timing Tags?

• All registered participants will receive a race bib number with a timing tag stuck to the back. Please do not alter the bib in any way.

• The race bib must be visible and worn on the front, outermost layer of clothing the entire race. BibTag Timing chips will be adhered in any way.

• Bib numbers and tags are non-transferrable and must be worn by the registrants whom they have been assigned.

📊 Where can I see my results?

• Results are posted LIVE on the Reindeer Run website.

• Scannable QR codes are displayed all around the finish line area for quick access with your phone!

❌ What if my results are incorrect or missing?

• Contact 📧 [email protected] after results are officially posted.

• If you did not wear a bib during the race, you will not receive a result.

🏆 Awards Categories?

• 🥇🥈🥉 Top 3 overall male & female finishers in the 5K

• Top Overall finishers are based on Gun Time.

• If you believe you will be a top finisher, please position yourself to start at the front of the race!

• 🏅 Top 3 finishers (male & female) in these age groups:

• 👦 10 & under | 🏃 11-14 | 🏃 15-19 | 🏃 20-24 | ... (up to 80+)

• Age Group Awards are based on Chip Time

• 🏅 The Jess Bell Senior Division Awards (for top male and female finishers 60+)

• Awards are passed out at the same location as registration - please come to the Awards table to claim your award race morning!

📬 I couldn’t pick up my award—how can I get it?

• 🏢 Pick up at the Hermes Office (2425 West 11th St. Cleveland, OH - call or email us before you plan to stop out 216-623-9933)

• 🏃‍♂️ Have it sent to your next Hermes race (email 📧 [email protected])

• 🚫 No mailing of awards – Awards can be claimed for up to 30 days after the race.

🔄 Refunds & Transfers

• 💵 Can I get a refund or transfer to another person?

• 🚫 No refunds – all entries are non-refundable & non-transferable to future races.

• ✅ You can transfer your entry to another person for free before packet pickup!

• 🔁 How do I transfer my registration?

o 1️⃣ Log into RunSignUp and choose "Gift Transfer"

o 2️⃣ Enter the new runner's name & email 📧

o 3️⃣ Once they register, your entry is removed

o More info 👉 How-To Transfer

👕 If I can’t attend, can I still get my t-shirt and packet?

• Yes! Pick up at our office the following week or at packet pickup📍 (Call 216-623-9933 or email [email protected] before coming in).

• We do not mail packets after the event.

Miscellaneous

🙋 Can I volunteer?

• Yes! volunteer opportunities will be listed on the race website after registration opens in July.

• Volunteers are asked to help with race day check-in from 7:00am-9:00am and a race shirt is provided!

🚶 Do I have to run, or can I walk?

• Walking is welcome, but police may ask late walkers to move to the sidewalk after 10am (1 hour after the Start).

• Walkers must line up at the back of the race start line!

🌡️ What is the weather like?

• Cleveland, Ohio weather is unpredictable! ❄️ One year it was in the teens with snow, another year it was 50s & sunny ☀️. In general expect brisk temps in the 30's!

🎒 What should I bring?

• 📧 Registration confirmation (if picking up packet)

• 🎟️ Race bib (if you already picked up at early packet pickup)

📈 How is the course—are there hills?

• No! Flat & fast – perfect for a 5K PR!

🎒 Is there a bag check?

• No bag check ❌ unless you're a Road Race Series member.

• Runners who arrive early have access to parking at Lakewood Park, right near the start line & are able place belongings in their vehicles, as needed.

🐶👶 Can I bring my dog or stroller?

• Of course! But for safety, please start at the back of the pack. No exceptions!

• All participants will receive a chip timed 5K which does not activate until they officially cross the starting line - no rush!

📩 Will I get race updates?

• Yes! We’ll send packet pickup reminders before race week.

• For more specific questions, check the Reindeer Run page, email us at [email protected], or call us at 216-623-9933 📞.

• Find the Facebook Event on our Facebook Page at HermesRoadRacing