Cleveland Metroparks 5K Goes Virtual

CLEVELAND — Registration is now open for the Cleveland Metroparks' Virtual Centennial Trail 5K.

This is the third year the race has been held, but the first time the race will be virtual. Participants can choose a time and location to walk or run in support of the Metroparks trail network.

“We have seen unprecedented trail usage throughout the pandemic,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “This year our Virtual 5K offers people a chance to get active and support our growing trail network in the way they are most comfortable with.”

Registration for the race is $15 and all proceeds will benefit the Cleveland Metroparks Trails Fund, which is used to maintain and expand the park system's natural surface trails.

This year's race route begins at the trailhead near the Columbus Street bridge, along Cuyahoga River's Irishtown Bend, and connects to the Scranton Peninsula. The route then goes north, along a portion of the Towpath. The finish line travels along the new half-mile section of the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail.

Participants in this year's Virtual 5K can show their registration during the Winter RiverFest Holiday Shop at Merwish's Wharf (during festival hours) to get a free hot chocolate and their Virtual Centennial Trail 5K medal.

This year's race is meant to encourage use of the park system's trails through downtown Cleveland, and build anticipation for trails that will be completed in 2021.

“We are about to enter a monumental year for trails in Cleveland Metroparks with the completion of all five TIGER Trail projects in early 2021, including the Red Line Greenway, Whiskey Island Connector, and Wendy Park Bridge, all of which will be connected via the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail,” Zimmerman said.