Aug. 10 5K Run Supports Stark County Trails

Registration is currently underway for the Friends of Stark Parks’ 14th annual Canalway Classic 5K run on Sat., Aug. 10  at www.RSRacingSystems.com or www.StarkParks.com. Paper registration forms are available from Stark Parks’ Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake. Event proceeds support development of hiking, bicycling and horseback riding trails in Stark County.   

Known as one of northeast Ohio’s fastest certified 5K runs, the Canalway Classic is also open to walkers. Buses supplied by First Student take participants to the start of the race south of Massillon, and they run and walk to Rochester Square in the Village of Navarre. Navarre’s hometown baker, Nickles Bakery, gives every participant a loaf of bread after the race!. The flat, shady race route along the Tuscarawas River provides many runners with personal records.

Anyone who registers before midnight on July 28 will save $7 over race-day registration and will be guaranteed a wicking shirt.  Cost per person through July 28 is $23. After that it is $25 until Noon on Aug. 9.  The family rate is $15/person with 4-person minimum. Race Day registration will be $30.

This year’s race continues popular components that include a 5K Health Walk with the top five walkers receiving prizes, a family rate for walkers—minimum of 4 under same roof, and early bib/shirt pickup distribution from 4-6 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 9 at the Exploration Gateway, 5712 12th St. NW, at Sippo Lake Park.

Other sponsors include Subway, who donates post-race sandwiches; Miller & Co. Sanitation Services, who donates porta-johns; BJ’s Wholesale Club, who donates water; Dr. Randall Stern, D.V.M. of the Navarre Animal Clinic; Total Health & Wellness Center, and Karma Café.  

The race necessitates temporary closure of the following roads: Navarre Road, Commerce St., Warmington Road, Wooster St., and High St. The Towpath Trail from John Glenn Grove Trailhead south to Wooster Street is closed from 8-10 a.m. to accommodate the race.

All pre-registered runners and walkers receive T-shirts. Other awards go to the Top 5 women & men runners, and the top female & male master. Age group runners are awarded three deep: from 14 & Under to 75 & Over. The five top walkers also will receive awards.

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