PHOTO VIA TRACK SHACK FACEBOOK PAGE
The Run for the Trees Jeannette Genius McKean Memorial 5K is back on Saturday, May 9, at Ward Park in Winter Park, with a 7:30 a.m. start.
The course is a point-to-point route with a standout final mile along Genius Drive, a tree-canopied, wilderness dirt road that is privately owned and opened to the public just once a year for this event. (It used to be open to the public all the time, but some rich kid shot some peacocks with a crossbow, and now it’s closed most of the year).
Every in-person finisher receives a tree sapling to take home, with over 1,500 trees expected to be given away in support of the city’s tree replacement fund. After the race, the Mother’s Earth Day Celebration takes over with sustainability exhibits, live animals, local artisan vendors, live music, face painting, Kona Ice, raffles, and Green Schools Grant Awards. It’s a full morning.
A free Kids’ Run is available for all children, with distances ranging from 100 yards to 400 yards based on age group.
Entry is $37 for adults, with $10 off for participants 17 and under or 65 and over through May 8. Bib pickup is at Track Shack on N. Mills Avenue this Wednesday through Friday, or on-site starting at 6 a.m. race day. Register HERE.
