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!

🌳 Park Information

• Location: Moreland Hills is home to many of the area’s most prized and pristine green spaces, including the 142-acre Forest Ridge Preserve.
• Features: The event will take place at the Lang Pavilion, sections of Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation, and U.S. President James A. Garfield’s cabin and birth site.
• Benefit: Registration fees and all donations benefit the non-profit Moreland Hills Parks Commission.
• Impact: This annual event provides the Parks Commission with its primary source of funds for park improvements.

💰 Funds and Improvements

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 new signage at Forest Ridge and procure materials for resurfacing and improving the park’s trails. 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, installing new benches along the trail network, and implementing various other improvements in the park. These initiatives will impact the thousands of community members who visit the park each year.

🏃‍♂️ Race Features

• 5K Challenge: We are proud of our scenic, challenging, and competitive 5K run through the valley.
• Family Activities: You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy this event—experience the trails of Forest Ridge Preserve on a 1.5 mile self-guided hike or naturalist-guided hike with the whole family.
• Participant Gifts: All participants will receive a custom Head for the Hills tote bag, along with chances for other prizes.
• Catering: Enjoy coffee and breakfast from Stevie Bean mobile food and coffee truck, plus free kids activities, crafts, and more.

🧑‍⚕️ Health and Recovery

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.

⏰ 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
• 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)
• Others: No registration required (donations appreciated)
• Age Free: Any kids age 5 and under are free to participate (giveaway not included)

📦 Early Packet Pickup

4:00-6:30 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025 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
• Age Group: 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

• Commemorative Tote: "Head for the Hills!" canvas tote bag
• Post-Race: Snacks and refreshments
• Giveaways: Chances for various other giveaways
• Recovery: Massage and stretching provided by NovaCare Rehabilitation

🏞️ Course Descriptions

• 5K Run: A scenic out and back course along beautiful Chagrin River Road featuring gently rolling hills and lovely homes.
• 1.5-mile Hike: Traverses hills, ravines, and streams through the wooded trails of Forest Ridge Preserve.
• Guided Options: Participants can choose between self-guided or naturalist-guided hike experiences.

👨‍👩‍👧 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, crafts, and more. Alternatively, hang out in the beautiful Lang Pavilion, enjoy the warmth of the fireplace, and meet your Moreland Hills neighbors!

📞 More Information

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

Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race.

🔗 Registration Link

Register here