Head for the Hills!

 

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!

 

Moreland Hills is home to many of the area’s most prized and pristine green spaces.  These include 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.  

 

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.  

 

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 or naturalist-guided hike — bring the whole family!

 

All participants in the 5K and hike will receive a custom Head for the Hills tote bag, as well as chances for other prizes.” 5K competitors have a chance to win overall and age group prizes.  Enjoy coffee and breakfast from Stevie Bean mobile food and coffee truck.  And for everyone, there will be free kids activities, crafts and more.

 

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.

 

Come experience the beauty of the Chagrin River valley while supporting a great local cause at Head for the Hills 2026!

 

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
9:00 am         1.5 mile hike start  
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)                              

All others                 No registration required (donations appreciated)

                   

Any kids age 5 and under are free to participate (giveaway not included)

 

EARLY PACKET PICKUP

4:00-6:30 pm            Friday, October 2, 2026
                                    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

 

RUN/HIKE REGISTRANTS RECEIVE

Commemorative "Head for the Hills!" canvas tote bag!
Snacks and refreshments post-race
Chances for various other giveaways
Massage and stretching provided by NovaCare Rehabilitation

 

RUN/HIKE 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. Both options will be available for you to choose at the start of the event.

 

 

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:                            9:00am EDT

Price:                                     Free to all (donations are appreciated) 

 

MORE INFORMATION

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

 

*Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race.