The Lakewood Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K at Mirror Lake State Park present a unique trail running experience that caters to all ages and fitness levels, including a Mini Marshmallow 1-mile run for kids aged 11 and under. This year’s races promise an engaging journey through the park’s picturesque trails, where runners will navigate past serene Mirror Lake, towering sandstone cliffs, and challenging steep hills, emphasizing the event’s adventurous spirit. Organized to support the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park, the event aims to raise funds for crucial projects such as trail maintenance, the naturalist program, and enhancing park accessibility.
Key features of this year’s race include chip-timing for the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon events, ensuring accurate performance tracking by Tortoise and Hare Race Management. The Half Marathon boasts a cut-off time of 3:30 hours, catering to competitive runners while offering support until the finish line, regardless of timing. Post-race, participants can relish in unique amenities such as s’mores around a campfire, highlighting the community and celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Registration opens on April 1 and closes on September 25th, with a cap of 400 participants to maintain an intimate and manageable event size. Late registrants may miss out on race shirts, underscoring the importance of early registration. The race underscores environmental stewardship and community involvement, making it a must-participate event for running enthusiasts and supporters of Mirror Lake State Park’s natural beauty and conservation efforts.
