Get Fired Up for Tri-C’s Autumn Blaze 5K and Festival

Course winds through Western Campus on Sept. 30 race to benefit three nonprofit agencies

Competitors will feel the burn again at the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) Autumn Blaze 5K, running on a course on the Western Campus.

Proceeds from this one-of-a-kind race benefit Greater Cleveland Community Shares, the United Negro College Fund and the United Way of Greater Cleveland. The race — part of the College’s annual giving campaign — began in 2015.

Last year’s race, held in person and virtually, raised more than $4,000 for the nonprofit agencies, with 120 runners competing.

The ninth annual Autumn Blaze 5K and 1-Mile Walk begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Tri-C’s Western Campus in Parma. The fast and flat course winds through the campus grounds at 11000 Pleasant Valley Road.

A new addition this year is the Autumn Blaze Festival from 9 a.m. to noon, with food and activities for the entire family, including yoga, tug-of-war, face painting and more. There is no cost to attend the festival. Food such as a hamburger or hotdog combo with chips and a drink is available for purchase.

Online registration is available at tri-c.edu/5kevents through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28. Preregistration is $25 for community members or $20 for Tri-C students. All preregistered runners and walkers receive an Autumn Blaze running belt.

On-site registration will be available beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the event ($30 for community members or $25 for Tri-C students). Belts for day-of registrants will be available while supplies last.

The 5K race will be chip timed, with awards given to the top three overall male and female runners and the top three finishers in the following age groups: 11 and younger; 12-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; and 65 and older.

Post-race refreshments will be available at the finish line.

September 13, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu