Head For The Hills offers 1-mile and 5-mile running and hiking options on October 3rd in Moreland Hills, Ohio, at Forest Ridge Preserve. The event starts at 9:00 AM with an entry fee of $30. Whether you're looking for a shorter effort or a longer trail experience, this race accommodates both running and hiking participants, making it accessible to athletes at different fitness levels and preferences. The preserve setting provides a natural backdrop for your race day.
From the Race Organizer
Show your support for Moreland Hills parks by joining us on October 3rd in the heart of the Chagrin River valley for Head For The Hills 2026. Moreland Hills is home to many of the area’s most prized and pristine green spaces. These include the beautiful 142-acre Forest Ridge Preserve and the Lang Pavilion (where this event will take place), sections of Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation, U.S. President James A. Garfield birth site park and cabin, and more. Registration fees and all donations benefit the non-profit Moreland Hills Parks Commission. This annual event provides the Parks Commission with its primary source of funds. The Parks Commission’s mission is to support preservation, improvements, and enjoyment of our local parks for all. Proceeds from last year’s Head For The Hills event helped to provide materials for resurfacing and improving the Forest Ridge trails, installing new benches along the trail network, and implementing various other improvements in the park. Funds from this year’s event will continue these efforts as well as supporting repair of picnic tables, landscaping improvements at Moreland Hills Veterans Park and much more. These initiatives will impact the hundreds of community members who visit our parks each year. We are proud of our scenic, challenging and competitive 5K through the valley! But you don’t have to be a runner to enjoy this event. Experience the trails of Forest Ridge Preserve on our 1.5 mile self-guided hike — bring the whole family! Participants in the 5K and hike will receive a commemorative Head For The Hills shirt (only for those registered by September 20th!!!). 5K competitors have a chance to win overall and age group prizes. And for everyone, there will be free kids activities, crafts and more. Enjoy fresh, hot mini donuts, freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed lemonade and more from Donut NV food truck! All available for purchase starting at 8AM. NovaCare Rehabilitation will provide on-site care to help participants perform their best and recover quickly and safely. This includes pre-event warm ups and taping to prevent injuries, as well as post-race recovery treatments. They can also help assess aches, pains and acute injuries. Come experience the beauty of the Chagrin River valley while supporting a great local cause at Head For The Hills 2026. START TIMES 8:00 am Runner/Hiker registration and packet pickup 8:45 am CHAGRIN RIVER ROAD CLOSES 9:00 am 5K Run starts 9:00 am 1.5 mile hike start 9:00 am Kids activities start 10:00 am 5K awards announcement TIMING SYSTEM 5K run MyLaps BibTag Chip timed REGISTRATION 5K run $30.00 (Kids 6-15: $15.00) 1.5 Mile Hike $30.00 (Kids ages 6-15: $15.00) All others No registration required (donations appreciated) Any kids age 5 and under are free to participate (giveaway not included) EARLY BIB NUMBER AND GIVEAWAY PICKUP 4:00-6:30 pm Friday, October 2, 2026 Fleet Feet 30679 Pinetree Blvd. Pepper Pike, OH 44124 AWARDS 5K Run only 1st Place Overall Male & Female — $75 Fleet Feet gift cards 2nd Place Overall Male & Female — $50 Fleet Feet gift cards 3rd Place Overall Male & Female — $25 Fleet Feet gift cards Plus, awards to top 3 Male and Female finishers in each age group: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over RUN/HIKE REGISTRANTS RECEIVE Commemorative “Head For The Hills” Shirt — MUST REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 20TH! Shirt Sizes - S, M, L, XL, 2XL, or No Shirt Snacks and refreshments after the race and hike Massage and stretching provided by NovaCare Rehabilitation RUN/HIKE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 5K Run Challenge yourself on this scenic out and back course along beautiful Chagrin River Road. Gently rolling hills, lovely homes and early fall colors welcome competitive racers and anyone seeking an enjoyable workout regardless of pace. 1.5-mile Hike Traverses hills, ravines, and streams through the beautifully wooded and diverse trails in Forest Ridge Preserve. You can make the hike a self-guided experience at your own pace. FAMILY AND SOCIAL EVENTS Head For The Hills is about getting more people out to experience our fantastic parks. Bring the whole family and enjoy kids activities and crafts, and more. Or just hang out in the beautiful Lang Pavilion enjoying the warmth of the fireplace and meeting your Moreland Hills neighbors! Start Time: 9:00am EDT Price: Free to all (donations are appreciated) MORE INFORMATION Call Hermes Sports & Events at (216) 623-9933 *Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race.
