'A Most Excellent Race' Comes To Cleveland Heights On June 24

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — On Sunday, hundreds of walkers and runners from across Northeast Ohio will meet at Beaumont High School for A Most Excellent Race. They'll weave their way through Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights before returning to the track.

They'll be greeted and cheered by a group of campers from Camp Cheerful. That's because the racers are raising money for the camp, which offers children and adults with physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities a chance to enjoy a camp experience in a barrier-free and judgement-free space.

"We try to keep the camp fees as low as possible," said Deborah Osgood, the vice president of development and marketing for Achievement Centers for Children (ACC), which operates Camp Cheerful. To keep fees low, the ACC relies on fundraisers.

Camp Cheerful opened in 1947 in Strongsville. It was Ohio's first camp with recreation program for children with disabilities. More than 70 years after opening, with more than 50 acres of space, the camp is still going strong.

Osgood said the camp's programs include things like fishing, arts and crafts, horsemanship activities, and campfires with s'mores.

The race is a family-friendly event. Runners and walkers that want to bring their partners and children to A Most Excellent Race will be delighted with the offerings. This year's event will feature a Flower Clown, Barre3, a bounce house, face painting, a DJ and more.

While pre-registration for the race has closed, folks that want to join A Most Excellent Race can sign-up on Sunday, at Beaumont. On-site registration is $30 per runner. Registration will run from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on June 24. Festivities start at 8:30 a.m.

Awards will be given to the top male and female runners in different age groups.

To learn more about Camp Cheerful, check out this video from the ACC.

Photo from Shutterstock