Head For The Hills!

🏞️ Event Overview

Show your support for Moreland Hills parks by joining us on October 4th in the heart of the Chagrin River valley for Head For The Hills 2025!

Moreland Hills is home to many of the area’s most prized and pristine green spaces. This includes 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’s cabin and birth site, 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.

🌳 Parks Commission Mission

The Parks Commission’s mission is to support preservation, improvements, and enjoyment of our local parks for all.

• Impactful Proceeds: Proceeds from last year’s Head For The Hills! event helped to provide new signage at Forest Ridge and procure materials for resurfacing and improving the park’s trails.
• Future Plans: This year, the Commission hopes to begin supporting the Village as it works toward replacing and repairing the park’s picnic tables at the Lang Pavilion and installing new benches along the trail network.
• Community Benefit: These initiatives will impact the thousands of community members who visit the park each year.

🏃‍♂️ Race Information

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!

• Participant Giveaway: All participants in the 5K and hike will receive a special giveaway (to be announced soon!) and chances for other great prizes.
• Age Group Prizes: 5K competitors have a chance to win overall and age group prizes.
• Kids Activities: There will be free kids activities, crafts, and more.

⏰ 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 starts

9:00 am - Kids activities start

10:00 am - 5K awards announcement

🕒 Timing System

5K run - MyLaps BibTag Chip timed

📝 Registration

• 5K Run: $25.00 (Kids 6-15: $15.00)
• 1.5 Mile Hike: $25.00 (Kids ages 6-15: $15.00)
• Other Participants: No registration required (donations appreciated)
• Age 5 and Under: Any kids age 5 and under are free to participate (giveaway not included)

📦 Early Packet Pickup

4:00-6:30 pm - Friday, October 3, 2025

Fleet Feet

30679 Pinetree Blvd.

Pepper Pike, OH 44124

🏅 Awards

5K Run only

• Top Overall: Top Overall Male & Female winners - $75 Fleet Feet gift cards.
• Second Place: 2nd Overall Male & Female - $50 Fleet Feet gift cards.
• Age Group Awards: 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.

🎁 What You Get

• Commemorative Bag: Commemorative "Head for the Hills!" canvas tote bag.
• Post-Race Snacks: Snacks and refreshments post-race.
• Giveaways: Chances for various other giveaways.
• Wellness Services: Massage and stretching provided by Novacare Rehabilitation.

🌲 Course Descriptions

• 5K Run: Challenge yourself on this scenic out and back course along beautiful Chagrin River Road (recently resurfaced for a smooth running experience!). 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. Or you can join local educators/naturalists for a guided group experience to learn about the Forest Ridge natural ecosystem.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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: 9:00 am EDT

Price: Free to all (donations are appreciated)

ℹ️ More Information

Call Hermes Sports & Events at (216) 623-9933.

Note: Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race.

For more details, visit the event page: Head For The Hills!