Head for the Hills!

Race 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 2026!

Location and Purpose

• Green Spaces: Moreland Hills is home to many of the area’s most prized and pristine green spaces.
• Event Venue: The event will take place at the beautiful 142-acre Forest Ridge Preserve and the Lang Pavilion.
• Funding: Registration fees and all donations benefit the non-profit Moreland Hills Parks Commission, providing its primary source of funds.
• Community Impact: Proceeds support preservation, improvements, and enjoyment of local parks for all.

Event Highlights

• Running and Hiking: Proud of our scenic, challenging, and competitive 5K! Enjoy a 1.5 mile self-guided hike or naturalist-guided hike.
• Prizes: All participants receive a custom Head for the Hills tote bag and chances for other prizes.
• Food: Enjoy coffee and breakfast from Stevie Bean mobile food and coffee truck.
• Kids Activities: There will be free kids activities, crafts and more for everyone.

Support and Care

• On-Site Care: NovaCare Rehabilitation will provide on-site care to help participants perform their best and recover quickly and safely.
• Preventative Services: This includes pre-event warm-ups, taping to prevent injuries, and post-race recovery treatments.
• Assessments: NovaCare can help assess aches, pains, and acute injuries.

Start Times

• 8:00 am: Runner/Hiker registration and packet pickup
• 8:15 am: Coffee and breakfast available from Stevie Bean!
• 8:45 am: CHAGRIN RIVER ROAD CLOSES
• 9:00 am: 5K Run starts and 1.5 mile hike start, Kids activities start

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)
• Kids Under 5: Free to participate (giveaway not included)

Early Packet Pickup

4:00-6:30 pm on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Fleet Feet, 30679 Pinetree Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH 44124

Awards

5K Run only: Top Overall Male & Female winners - $75 Fleet Feet gift cards. 2nd Overall Male & Female - $50 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.

Participant Benefits

• Custom Tote Bag: Commemorative "Head for the Hills!" canvas tote bag!
• Snacks: Snacks and refreshments post-race.
• Giveaways: Chances for various other giveaways.
• Rehabilitation 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.
• 1.5-mile Hike: Traverses hills, ravines, and streams through the beautifully wooded and diverse trails in Forest Ridge Preserve.
• Guided Experience: Join local educators/naturalists for a 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!

More Information

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

Important Note

Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race.

Event Registration Link

For more details or to register, visit Head for the Hills!