The series features eight different races, including the Raintree 4th of July 5K (pictured here). Participate in at least five of the eight races and earn the coveted 2024 hoodie.

By Mimi Vanderhaven

The City of Green is making it easy for walkers and runners from all over the region to participate in eight different races held within the city. It’s the Green Great Eight Race Series, a collaboration between eight races that benefit local nonprofits.

Since 2020, the series has raised more than $300,000 for local organization. In addition to awards and swag provided by each race, participants who complete just five of the eight races in the series will receive a Green Great 8 Race Series hoodie. Here’s more:

1. Air Force Raider Run

Green H. S. Air Force Junior ROTC
Saturday, June 1 (race already completed) 3k Terrain Run/1-mile Honor Walk
Boettler Park, 300 Massillon Rd., North Canton

Take a challenging run through the rigorous terrain of Southgate Park while pushing your limits on 10 teamwork-inspired obstacles crammed into a 3K course. The Air Force Raider Run is a fast-paced, team-oriented challenge sure to test the limits of you and your team. Sign up as an individual, team, unit, or detachment. All ages are welcome and accommodations are made for those not able to complete an obstacle.

If a 3K obstacle course is not your thing, please join us for a Veterans Honor Walk through Boettler Park to honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country. All ages and abilities are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Green High School Air Force JROTC and the SAM Center.

2. Raintree 4th of July 5K

City of Green
Thursday, July 4, 5k/1-mile Fun Run/Walk
Raintree Golf and Event Center, 4350 Mayfair Road

The City of Green’s Raintree 5k and Fun Run takes runners around the beautiful Raintree Golf Course in the City of Green where you’ll find fast fairways and gorgeous golf cart paths. This family fun event is perfect for participants age 5+. The 5k begins at 7:30 for $30 per person. The 1-mile Fun Run begins at 8:00 am and costs $10 per person to participate.

The first 300 registered will receive a Raintree 5K T-shirt. Day of race registration available (no t-shirt for day of race registrants). Race Day packet pick up and late registration will be available on site from 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers as well as age group awards. A podium will be available for individual photos. Water bottles will be distributed to each runner to be used during the race.

3. Physiolympics

Physiobalance
Saturday, August 3, 5k Run/Walk and Relay
More information coming soon.

4. Acorn Run

The Oak Clinic
Sunday, September 8, 5k Run-Walk/1-mile Run-Walk
The Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis, 3800 Massillon Road

The Acorn Run 5k begins at 8 a.m. and travels down a beautiful suburban area to Green High School, circles the school, and returns to The Oak Clinic. The 1k walk also begins at 8 a.m. and travels around the Summa Health Facility. Both courses are flat, paved, and monitored by health professionals. A full 100% of all registration and sponsorship dollars will benefit the patients at The Oak Clinic who are cared for regardless of their ability to pay. All racers will receive gift bags.

5. CAK5k on the Runway

Akron Canton Airport
Sunday, October 6, 5k
5400 Lauby Rd. NW, North Canton

Enjoy a unique view of the Akron-Canton Airport—from the runway! Join family, friends, and fellow aviation-enthusiasts as you watch aircraft arrive and depart from CAK while on the flattest course in the region. A portion of the proceeds will go to the MAPS Air Museum and the American Heart Association.

6. Bulldog Dash

Green Local Schools Greenwood and Primary Schools
Sunday, October 6, 5k/1-mile Fun Run-Walk/200m Youth Run
Green Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road

Each year, over 1,000 runners participate in the 5k, 1-mile fun run, or 200-meter race. This event is fun for the whole family with food trucks, bounce houses, a DJ and even more activities. The Bulldog Dash has been Greenwood and Green Primary School’s only fundraiser since 2011, and the proceeds from this race have impacted the students in many ways, including providing them with new and updated technology, classroom libraries, behavior incentives, assemblies, field trips, and more.

7. HalloWin Race

Rayl Charitable Organization
Saturday, October 19, 5k/1-mile Fun Run-Walk
Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road

Rayl Charitable Organization’s HalloWin Race includes a 5k race and 1-mile fun run. This event has $2,000 in prizes, fun costumes, and a whole lot of candy! Net proceeds benefit the Debbie Rayl Kindness for Kids Program which reimburses Green Local School Teachers for out-of-pocket expenses for disadvantaged students.

8. Turkey Trot

Green Professionals Association
Thursday, November 28, 5k/1-mile Fun Run-Walk
Green Memorial Stadium, 1737 Steese Road

Green Professionals Association (GPA) is a self-governing, non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the Green community through mentorships, scholarships, and service. The annual GPA Turkey Trot 5k and Walk is our marquee event that provides funding for collegiate scholarships for Green High School Seniors.

For more info about the Green Great 8 Race Series and links to each race in the series, visit CityOfGreen.org/great8.

Categories: Greater Akron Health & Wellness

The City of Green’s eight 5K races (and fun walks) are attracting participants from around the region