Inaugural Happy 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is Oct. 4

The City of Cleveland Heights and its merchants invite residents to the inaugural Happy 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Sunday, Oct. 4, to celebrate all the good things happening in Cleveland Heights. The event, a collaborative effort of the city, the Cedar Lee and Coventry Village special improvement districts, and Western Reserve Racing, benefits the city’s Youth Scholarship Fund. The race is a fun run for all ages and abilities, as well as a timed race for the competitive runner. 

Organizers encourage participants to “come for the run and stay for the fun!” Walkers and runners will follow a flat 5K route through historic neighborhoods. See the course map here. The 1 Mile Fun Run event begins at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m. Registrants are welcome to bring leashed dogs to join them on the course for both events. The races will be followed by a post-race block party and live music presented by the Grog Shop, as well as a "happiest costume" contest. 

Adam Flesicher, owner of The Wine Spot, serves as the event’s chair. Many local merchants have formed teams, and participants can choose a team to join when registering, at no additional fee. These teams will compete to earn a team trophy, as well as other perks.

Registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run is $10 and includes a finisher ribbon. Registration for the 5K is $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the race. (Save $5 on the registration fee by entering the promo code "smile.")

Included in the 5K registration is a Happy 5K T-Shirt, pint glass, two drink vouchers and $30 in Cleveland Heights “cash,” redeemable after the race at participating establishments.     

Race-day drink vouchers are redeemable at the following merchants: B Side Liquor Lounge, Dewey's Pizza, Lopez, Parnell's Pub, Phoenix Coffee, Revive, Tavern Company and The Wine Spot.

Race-day “cash” is redeemable at the following merchants: Black Box Fix, BottleHouse, Cain Park, Dewey's Pizza, Grog Shop, Heights Arts, Joey's, Lopez, New Heights Grill, Phoenix Coffee, Revive, Stone Oven and The Wine Spot.

Awards will be given to the fastest finishers overall, and to the best competitors within five-year age brackets. The fastest male and female Cleveland Heights finishers will be awarded gift certificates for one-year memberships to the Cleveland Heights Community Center. 

For more information and to register online, visit the Western Reserve Racing website at www.westernreserveracing.com/events/happy5k.