In what's becoming a beloved tradition for both fitness enthusiasts and conservationists, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is bringing back the Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K. With a nod to famed painter Bob Ross, the event fosters tree planting initiatives while encouraging Ohioans to enjoy the scenic outdoors. ODNR's event page details how each registration contributes to the greening of Ohio's state parks.
"Ohio’s state parks are some of the most beautiful places to be active, and this event lets Ohioans enjoy them while directly contributing to their future," ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in a statement obtained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The event, running from April 18 to 26, breaks from traditional 5K formats, allowing participants to choose their own provenance to walk, run, bike, or even paddle their way through 3.1 miles at any outdoor location.
Those interested should act swiftly—registration closes on April 1, or whenever the event hits full capacity. Given that last year's event sold out, early sign-ups are recommended. Registrants can expect to receive a race packet, including an event T-shirt and other commemorative items. To accommodate the many ways participants will get moving, these packets are scheduled to ship around early March, ensuring they arrive well before the virtual race week.
After crossing the finish line, while not mandatory, participants are encouraged to share their achievements along with any photos the weekend before Earth Day and the weekend after Arbor Day. According to the ODNR, this practice not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also the collective effort to support conservation. Throughout the event's history since its 2004 inception, there have been more than 100,000 native trees, shrubs, and plants contributed to the state parks and public lands.
Ohio's commitment to preserving its natural beauty was nationally recognized when its state park system was awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. For more information on this premier park system and to discover other year-round outdoor opportunities, visitors are encouraged to check out ohiostateparks.gov and follow Ohio State Parks on social media. As Ohio gears up for another year of the Happy Little 5K, both nature and health enthusiasts can look forward to hitting the trails—or the waterways—in support of the state's verdant legacy.
