The City of Green’s eight 5K races equals one awesome summer

By Mimi Vanderhaven

One of the best ways to stay in shape this summer is to walk or run regularly, and one of the best ways to stay motivated is to sign up for area races. You don’t have to be an elite runner. Most races include 5Ks and 1-mile fun walks, either of which you and your family may run or walk.

One Northeast Ohio community—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 $115,000 and involved 3,200 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 details about each race:

1. Glow Run for Education

Green Schools Foundation
Saturday, May 7
Green High School Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road

5K: 9:00 p.m.; $35; students $25; both races $40; virtual option available
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:30 p.m.: $20
Swag: T-shirt, medal and “glow” items; sign up by April 21 to guarantee a shirt
Benefits: Green Schools Foundation

Break out your neon swag! The GSF Glow Run for Education has designated “glow zones” throughout the course with neon colors and black lights leaving runners glowing from head to toe. The race takes place around Green Memorial Stadium and is the perfect way to get your glow on!

The Green Schools Foundation is dedicated to furthering academic excellence in Green Schools by providing scholarships and academic classroom grants, which benefit elementary, middle, and high school students.

2. Raintree 4th of July 5K

City of Green
Monday, July 4
Raintree Golf and Event Center, 4350 Mayfair Road

5K: 7:30 a.m.; $25
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:45 a.m.; $10
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. Labor of Love

Green YMCA
Monday, September 5, 8:00 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.

4. Acorn Run

The Oak Clinic
Sunday, September 11
The Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis, 3800 Massillon Road

5K: 8:00 a.m.; $30; Students $20
1-Mile Run/Walk: 8:10 a.m.; $30; students $20
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.

5. Bulldog Dash

Green Local Schools Greenwood and Primary Schools
Saturday, October 2
Green Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road

5K: 8:00 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
Benefits: Green Local Schools

The Green Bulldog Dash strives to be inclusive of all Green students and community members. The Bulldog Dash Committee is proud to announce a 200-meter dash option for those who are unable to complete the 5K or 1-mile courses.

The Green Bulldog Dash is a major fundraising event and lots of fun. Last year’s event raised more than $50,000, with all funds directly supporting Green Local Schools and students.

6. CAK5k on the Runway

Akron Canton Airport
Saturday, October 8

5K: prior to May 1: $30; $20 students. Through September 15: $35; $25 students. Until registration closes: $40; $30 students
Swag: Long-sleeved T-shirt, medal
Benefits: The American Heart Association and MAPS Air Museum

Awards presented to the overall winner and the winner of each age group. Participants in each of the past five years receive a special race bib. There is also a special award for the fastest male and female through the “Afterburner Zone.”

7. Hallo-Win Race

Rayl Charitable Organization
Saturday, October 22
Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road

5K: 8:00 a.m.; $25/preregistration; $30 after October 9; virtual option available
1-Mile: 9:15 a.m.; $12.50 preregistration; $15 after October 9
Swag: Long-sleeved 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 24
Green Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road

5K: $25/preregistration; $30 race day
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: $10/pre-registration; $15 race day
Swag: Long-sleeved T-shirt, pie
Benefits: The Green Professional Association’s Scholarship Fund

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