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Sat June 21, 2025 Olmsted Falls, OH 44138 US Directions

Events

Race & Fest Entry

6:00PM EDT - 9:00PM EDT

Fest Entry

6:00PM EDT - 9:00PM EDT

Place

Lagoon Picnic Area, Rocky River Reservation Valley Pkwy
Olmsted Falls, OH US 44138

Description

WALK-UPS for festival and race are available! Price will be increased.

We're heading south—Cleveland-style—for the inaugural Little Carolina run on June 21st! While we’re not making the trip to the real Carolinas, we are bringing the southern vibes to the Cleveland Metroparks with this fun, summer evening race.

How This Event Works

🏃‍♂️ This unique event features a 5K loop you can run up to 4 times. With each completed loop, you’ll earn a special distance pin to mark your achievement!

  • Each pin will represent the distance completed plus our added charm.
  • You may stop at any time. You DO NOT need to go for 4 loops. 1 loop is already an accomplishment!
  • Hiking, Rucking, Walking, Running, and any speed is allowed.

After the race, stick around for a lively afterparty featuring live bluegrass music and a beer garden to toast your miles.

  • The loops and start/finish will pass amongst the festivities for an atmosphere you won't want to miss

Event Timeline:

  • 4:30 PM – Packet Pick-Up begins
  • 6:00 PM – Race starts, beer garden opens, and live music kicks off
  • Race from 5k up to 20k!
  • 8:35 PM – Runners must have started final loop
  • 9:00 PM – Event concludes and sweep of course for final runners

Course Map: Little Carolina 5K Loop on Strava

Runner Swag and Perks

  • Finisher Medal and Pin to rep the # of completed loops!
  • Chip-timed race on one of our favorite courses with some southern charm
  • Photographer on site snapping your picture across the event
  • Beer garden with first beverage on us
  • Optional race shirt featuring our mascot! Opt out for some added savings
  • Live bluegrass music by Ozark Mountain Mercy
  • And a summer evening race you do not want to miss. All paces from hikers to runners are welcome.

Fest Entry ticket

  • Beer garden with first beverage on us
  • Live bluegrass music by Ozark Mountain Mercy

Lace up and join us for an evening of miles, music, and good vibes!

Rain/Inclement Weather Plan: In the case of bad weather, the race will happen. We will adjust the live music as necessary but will not be cancelling unless severe weather.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Sponsors

Parking & Shuttles

🚐 Parking is limited at the Lagoon Picnic Area, so we’re providing a complimentary shuttle service for all participants (racers & fest entry)!

Here’s how it works:
🅿️ Park at Frostville Museum
➡️ Hop on the shuttle to the race venue
🏁 Once you’ve enjoyed the event, take the shuttle back to your car

We’ve got your transportation covered so you can focus on the trails and the fun! 🌿

Shuttle Services for event

  • Start of Shuttle Operation: 5:00 PM
  • End of Shuttle Operation: 10:00 PM

Shuttle Pick Up

Race Venue

Runners and Spectators MUST park in legal parking spots only. The Metroparks will ticket or tow illegally parked cars. 

Directions

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