Run for the Refuge

Event Overview

• Date: September 26, 2026
• Location: 14000 W State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH
• URL: Run for the Refuge
• Celebration: National Public Lands Day

About the Event

• Family-Friendly: A mix of fitness, fun, wildlife, and conservation.
• Choice of Activities: Featured 5k Run/Walk or the Otter Trot Fun Run.
• Purpose: Celebrate public lands and support conservation efforts.
• Community Engagement: Connect with nature and participate in outdoor activities.

About the Friends

• Mission: Supports the conservation of Ohio's only National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
• Goals: Acquire land, enhance public access, and engage the community.
• Connection: Facilitate experiences that connect people with nature.
• Commitment: Work towards habitat preservation and community involvement.

Why It Matters

• Protection: Safeguards over 11,000 acres of vital habitats along Lake Erie.
• Wildlife Support: Provides critical nesting and migration stopover areas.
• Water Resource: Contributes to the filtration and quality of fresh water.
• Sustainable Future: Ensures protected lands for future generations.

Your Impact

• Fee Utilization: 100% of registration supports conservation and educational projects.
• Recent Accomplishments: Protecting land and enhancing public access.
• Community Events: Hosting educational programs and family activities.
• Conservation Initiatives: Supporting projects that benefit wildlife and habitats.

Join Us!

• Call to Action: Lace up your running shoes and bring the family!
• Experience: A day filled with fun, fitness, and conservation.
• Excitement: We can't wait to see you at the starting line!