The City of Green’s eight 5K races (and fun walks) are attracting participants from around the region

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The City of Green is making it easy for walkers and runners from all over the region to participate in eight different races held within the city.

By Mimi Vanderhaven

The City of Green is making it easy for walkers and runners from all over the region to participate in eight different races held within the city. It’s the Green Great Eight Race Series, a collaboration between eight races that benefit local nonprofits.

Last year the series raised more than $150,000 and involved 3,500 runners and walkers. In addition to awards and swag provided by each race, participants who complete just five of the eight races in the series will receive a Green Great 8 Race Series hoodie. Here are the details:

1. Air Force Raider Run, Green H. S. Air Force Junior ROTC
Sunday, June 4
Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road
3K Terrain Run: $40 ($35 military/veterans and team members); race heats start at 8:30 a.m. Waves will start every 15 minutes until 11:30 a.m.
1-Mile Veterans Honor Walk: $30 ($25 military/veterans)
Swag: T-shirt, swag bag and challenge coin
Benefits: Green High School Air Force JROTC and the SAM Center.

Take a challenging run through the rigorous terrain of Southgate Park while pushing your limits on 10 teamwork-inspired obstacles crammed into a 3K course. The Air Force Raider Run is a fast-paced, team-oriented challenge sure to test the limits of you and your team! Sign up as an individual, team, unit, or detachment. All ages are welcome and accommodations are made for those not able to complete an obstacle.

2. Raintree 4th of July 5K, City of Green
Tuesday, July 4
Raintree Golf and Event Center, 4350 Mayfair Road
5K: 7:30 a.m.; $30
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:45 a.m.; $10/pre-registration; $35/$15 race day
Swag: T-shirt
Benefits: First Tee Greater Akron

The Raintree 5K and Fun Run takes runners around the beautiful Raintree Golf Course in the City of Green where you’ll find fast fairways and gorgeous golf cart paths. This family fun event is perfect for participants age 5+.

3. CAK5K on the Runway, Akron Canton Airport
Sunday, August 6
5K: 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.: $35 ($25 students)
Swag: T-shirt, medal
Benefits: The American Heart Association and MAPS Air Museum

Enjoy a unique view of the Akron-Canton Airport - from the runway! Join family, friends, and fellow aviation enthusiasts as you watch aircraft arrive and depart from CAK while on the flattest course in the region. New August date is in conjunction with the activities happening in Canton with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

4. Labor of Love, Green YMCA
Monday, September 4, 8 a.m.
Green YMCA, 3800 Massillon Road
5K: $25
10K: $35
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: $10
Swag: T-shirt
Benefits: Green YMCA

Join the Green Family YMCA for its annual Labor of Love Run/Walk, sponsored by Acme Fresh Market. The event is community-focused, fun-filled and open to all levels of runners and walkers. It’s an ideal way to celebrate the end of summer and the Labor Day holiday with family and friends.

5. Acorn Run, The Oak Clinic
Sunday, September 10
The Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis, 3800 Massillon Road
5K: 8 a.m.; $30 ($20 students)
1-Mile Run/Walk: 8:10 a.m.; $30 ($20 students)
Swag: T-shirt, gift bag
Benefits: The Oak Clinic

The Acorn Run 5K travels down a beautiful suburban area to Green High School, circles the school, and returns to The Oak Clinic. The 1-Mile Walk travels around the Summa Health Facility. Both courses are flat, paved, and monitored by health professionals. All registration and sponsorship dollars will benefit the patients at The Oak Clinic who are cared for regardless of their ability to pay.

6. Bulldog Dash, Green Local Schools Greenwood and Primary Schools
Sunday, October 1
Green Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road
5K: 8 a.m.; $30
200-Meter Dash: 9:00 a.m.; $15
1-Mile Fun Walk/Run: 9:15 a.m.; $20; both 5K and 1-mile; $40
Swag: T-shirt
Benefits: Green Local Schools

Fun for the while family with food trucks, bounce houses, a DJ and even more activities! The Bulldog Dash has been Greenwood and Green Primary School’s only fundraiser since 2011 and the proceeds from this race have impacted the students in many ways. Proceeds from this event have provided students with new and updated technology, classroom libraries, behavior incentives, assemblies, field trips, and much more!

7. HalloWin Race, Rayl Charitable Organization
Saturday, October 21
Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road
5K: 8 a.m.; $30 early registration
1-Mile: 9:30 a.m.; $15
Swag: T-shirt, medal, candy, cash prizes
Benefits: The Debbie Rayl Kindness for Kids Program, which reimburses Green Local School Teachers for out-of-pocket expenses for disadvantaged students.

8. Turkey Trot, Green Professionals Association
Thursday, November 23
Green Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road
5K: $30/pre-registration; $40 race day
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: $10/pre-registration; $15/$20 race day
Swag: Long-sleeve T-shirt, medals for top runners, raffle for pumpkin pies
Benefits: The Green Professional Association’s Scholarship Fund

Participate in at least five of the eight races in the Green Great Eight Race Series and earn the coveted 2023 hoodie (2022 hoodie pictured).

For more info about the Green Great 8 Race Series and links to each race in the series, visit CityOfGreen.org/great8.