If you’ve been training and building up your stamina and endurance for any of the various running, walking, or obstacle course events coming up this year, look no further! The Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau has all of the information you need in order to get out and be active. Visit www.MansfieldTourism.com for a complete list of this year’s running events under the Calendar of Events section. The website allows you to customize your search and Sports & Recreation now includes 5K/ Running Events. You can also access this complete list under “What to DO” under Sports & Recreation in other sections of the tourism website. Here are a few key local events that you won’t want to miss!
Head over to the farm (Malabar Farm that is) on Saturday, April 23, 2016 as the 4th Annual Udder Nonsense 5K (3.10686 miles) Walk, Waddle, And Run comes to town. This is a cow-themed event that is both family and pet friendly. It allows you to Walk, Waddle, or Run the grounds of Malabar Farm for fun and fresh air. This 5K event is non-competitive and is featured as a part of the Mohican Wildlife Weekend. For more information on the 5K and for registration details, visit www.malabarfarm.org/udder-nonsense.
There’s no “Nonsense” in the next event, prepare to “Tough”en up! Tough Mudder Ohio is back for a 4th year in Mansfield on May 7 & 8, 2016! This popular event challenges participants to work their way through many creative obstacles with mud, ice water, tear gas, and electroshock. The event was originally created by British Special Forces. There is limited availability left for this event, so register soon at www.toughmudder.com/events/2016-ohio.
For a more conventional 5K Walk/Run, travel to the next event at the beautiful Kingwood Center Gardens. Kingwood’s Annual 5K Walk/Run is in its 7th year and takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you move at your own pace through Kingwood Center, North Lake Park, meadows, wooded paths, and nearby streets! All day admission to Kingwood Center Gardens is included with registration. The price to register is $20, with all proceeds going to Kingwood Center Gardens. Visit Kingwood’s page on the Ohio Race Day website for more information. If you miss this event, no need to worry!
You have more shots at “Redemption.” The Shawshank Hustle returns for its second year to Mansfield on Saturday, June 11, 2016. This event has been extremely successful in the past with 3,000 runners participating in 2015. In this one-of-a-kind experience, you can run (or walk) 7K (4.3496 miles) and see five filming locations of the film, “The Shawshank Redemption” along your route. Pass by filming locations such as: The Bissman Building, Carousel Antiques, Brooks’ Bench in Central Park, and finish the day with a free admission into The Ohio State Reformatory to see more filming sites! There will be awards for participants and an official after party at The Phoenix Brewing Company. Spend the day immersed in all things “Shawshank” with various themed activities scheduled. For more information on the event or to sign up, visit www.shawshankhustle.com/. If you just can’t get enough of the downtown area, our next featured event is sure to satisfy you!
The 2nd Annual Mid-Ohio 13er returns Saturday, September 3, 2016. Taking place in downtown Mansfield, this event gives runners an option of running a half marathon (13.1094 miles) or 5K Fun Run. The Mid-Ohio 13er’s mission is to bring light to organizations that are actively involved in drug prevention locally and to start conversations for drug prevention in our communities. All proceeds from the half marathon will be given to a grant entrusted to the Richland County Foundation. The Richland County Foundation will then allocate the funds back to the community through groups and organizations actively participating in drug prevention. For more information or for registration, visit www.midohio13er.com.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “My dog is going to go crazy with all this time that I am gone running these events.” Don’t drive your dog crazy! Take them with you to our next featured event!
Another local favorite is the annual Strutt Your Mutt Canine Festival, held on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Bring your furry friends with you as you and your dog participate in this 5K Walk/Run around the horse racetrack at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Donations to The Humane Society of Richland County are welcomed. There are many activities available throughout the day, including a dog walkathon, a rummage sale, dog shows and contests, and a raffle. This event is family and pet friendly, so bring your children and your pets and enjoy a wonderful atmosphere! For more information, visit the Strutt Your Mutt website.
As you can see, Richland County is “rich” in recreational activities. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting out and becoming more fit and active, you have many options to motivate your training plan. For a full list of walking and running events, visit the CVB’s Calendar of Events page: Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Written by CVB Intern Tim Metcalfe