2 events in Lucas County, Ohio

Come on out and run (or walk) a unique 10K race at the 1,000 acre Howard Marsh Metropark and then enjoy some post-race kayaking or canoeing. The 10K course on the gravel trails on top the marsh dikes is flat, fast, and scenic. The marsh is also home to unique plants, many types of birds, and lots of other wildlife. After the race, you can launch your kayak, canoe, or paddle board and explore the marsh's eight miles of aquatic trails for a complete "marshy" experience. Rental kayaks will be available from the Metroparks. Also whether you're a birder or not, don't forget your binoculars.

Awards in the 10K will be given to the Male and Female Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, and Senior Grand Masters winners and will consist of a unique marsh-themed sun catcher and gift card from Second Sole running store. All finishers will receive a finisher medal and additional giveaway. There will be no age group awards.

In order to reduce trash and protect the marsh from litter, the race will not use paper cups. For hydration, runners can carry a handheld water bottle, wear a hydration vest, or carry a reusable, collapsible cup that can be filled at the water station. Runners will pass the water station twice at approximately 3.3 and 5.7 miles. Free collapsible cups will be made available to runners at packet pick-up.

Early packet pick-up will be on Thursday June 18 from 2-8 pm and Friday June 19 from 10 am-6 pm at Second Sole running store in Levi’s Commons, Perrysburg, OH. Race day packet pick-up will be from 7:30-8:15 am at the event.

The free collapsible cups are provided by HydraPak, our Sustainable Racing Partner. As part of your entry to this event, HydraPak is also offering a 20% discount on all of their products at HydraPak.com. The 20% discount code will be made available to registered runners by email prior to the event.

The Marsh Madness 10K is the first race in the Toledo Roadrunners-Metroparks Toledo Trail Race Series. The other three races are the Towpath Trail 10K and Half Marathon at Providence Dam Metropark on July 19, the Oak Openings Stampede 5K and 25K at Oak Openings Metropark on September 13, and Falling Leaves 5K and 8-miler at Secor Metropark on October 25.

If you are a current Toledo Roadrunners member, you will receive a $5.00 discount on the entry price of any of the Trail Series races. If you sign up for all four races at once, you will receive a $2.00 discount on each entry regardless of TRRC membership. You will also be awarded a nice Trail Race Series giveaway at the end of the series.

Proceeds from the events support SewHope, a Toledo-based not-for-profit organization that provides health, education, and community development support to the poor in northern Guatemala.

You can also donate directly to SewHope and/or the Toledo Metroparks when you register here.