Head For The Hills

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.