Nature Center's annual Hike & Run is Sept. 21

Hikers participating in last year’s Shaker Lakes Hike & Run four-mile Doan Brook Gorge hike cross the Doan Brook.

The 10th annual Shaker Lakes Hike & Run, with 5K and 10K races and nature hikes, is set for Sunday, Sept. 21. This fun family event offers three hikes, a 5K race and—new this year—a 10K race and "Lakes to Lake" hike options.

The 5K and 10K races take runners on streets and paths through the scenic Shaker parklands, including the dirt path along North Park Boulevard, giving runners a beautiful view of lower Shaker Lake. The race is managed by HMA Promotions, and awards will be given to overall winners as well as winners of several age categories.

Hike & Run offers three different guided hikes of various lengths. A one-mile, pet-friendly family hike leads participants through the forest, marsh and demonstration prairie within the grounds of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. This hike is the only time pets are allowed on the Nature Center trails. A four-mile hike takes hikers through the Shaker parklands and scenic Doan Brook gorge. The vigorous Lakes to Lake hike from the Nature Center to Lake Erie, led by the Cleveland Hiking Club, can be completed in one of three ways: 1) complete the entire 12-mile hike to the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve and back; 2) return to the Nature Center by shuttle after hiking six miles to the Gordon Boat Ramp; or 3) continuing through the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve for a nine-mile hike.

Refreshments follow the races and hikes, including delicious smoothies from Yonanas, and all registrants receive a T-shirt.

Proceeds from Hike & Run benefit the Jenny Goldman Memorial Nature Outreach Fund that underwrites environmental education for underserved urban youth.

Kay Carlson, executive director of the Nature Center, explained the program concept: "Since its inception, the Jenny Goldman program has played an important role in the education and lives of thousands of disadvantaged schoolchildren in Cleveland. Volumes of research indicate that when children have positive connections to nature, they are exponentially more likely to exhibit positive environmental behavors as adults relating to energy consumption, recycling, lawn care and other environmentally friendly practices."

Hikes are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12, scouts and school club members. Hikes depart the Nature Center at 9 a.m. The cost for the 5K and 10K races is $20 with pre-registration by Sept. 19, and $25 on race day. Both races begin at 9:15 a.m. To register, visit www.hmapromotions.net or stop by the Nature Center at 2600 South Park Blvd. in Shaker Heights. For more information, call the Nature Center at 216-321-5935 or visit www.shakerlakes.org.

Lisa Fredrickson

Lisa Fredrickson is the media and event manager for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.

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Volume 7, Issue 9, Posted 10:21 AM, 08.29.2014