What is a 5K?
A 5K (“five-K”) race is a popular running event that everyone can enjoy from the casual runner/walker to the Olympic athlete. The Farm Fresh 5K race at Shepherd’s Corner is an all-terrain race through the diverse landscape of Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center. Participants will run alongside naturally grown gardens, across meadow trails, and through wooded paths.
Who can run in the 5K?
EVERYONE! The Farm Fresh 5K is a family-friendly event for runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Come and see, and you might just surprise yourself. It’s fun for everyone!
Why is this 5K important?
Shepherd’s Corner has been able to help combat food insecurity by donating over 42,995 pounds over the last 15 years. Proceeds from the race will help us continue our mission and supply produce to our food pantry partners. We are partnering with nearby From Scratch Farm to continue donation of fresh, naturally grown produce to those in need for the third year. With the support of folks like you, Shepherd’s Corner has continued to care for Earth through our educational programs. Proceeds from this race will help us continue these important efforts. A 2023 project of Shepherd’s Corner is the creation of a wetland area that will be visible from the racecourse.
Can I bring my children to the 5K?
Of course! In fact, children 12 and under get in for a reduced rate. Children as young as three have enjoyed walking through our woods and farmland, and in past years several families have even pushed strollers through parts of the course. We pride ourselves on hosting a family-friendly event.
Can I bring my dog to the 5K?
We do not allow dogs at the race. We need to be attentive to the needs of other people and of our farm animals.
Are there prizes?
This year prizes will be awarded without regard to gender or to age. The first four finishers will receive prizes. A raffle will be held during the closing announcements to distribute additional prizes. You must be in attendance to receive a prize.
How do I join a team? What is the purpose of registering as a team?
You can increase your impact by forming a team to raise funds. Ask friends to run with or to donate to your team. Your fundraising team could even start a Givealanche with their donations!
How much does it cost to run?
Your registration fee includes a Farm Fresh 5K 100% organic cotton T-shirt. You’ll want to register early, as we only have a limited number of T-shirts! register by May 19th and you are guaranteed a shirt.
OK, this sounds great! How do I register?
Online or by mail-in form obtained from race brochure.
You can even register in person, starting at 8:00 am race day at Shepherd’s Corner!
Great! I want to consider doing even more for this cause. How do I become a sponsor for the 16th Annual 5K?
Information about the levels of sponsorship, and the great rewards each level has, can be found on our sponsorship link or on this printable .pdf sponsorship brochure.
What does the course look like?
Our race is ALL-TERRAIN, participants will race over meadow trails, alongside natural gardens, and through wooded paths.
Below you can see an approximate path for our 5K course. This year the path will look different as we are creating a new wetland area on site. The wetland area will be visible from the racecourse.:
Click here for a printable .pdf version of the map.
Shepherd’s Ecology Center is positioning itself to be an Earth-centered leader in the Central Ohio community: teaching environmental education, offering reflective experiences on care of creation, and renewing the land while providing healthy, naturally grown produce.
Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center invites others to join with us in experiencing the joys and responsibilities of caring for land, life, and spirit. Inspiring others to become shepherds of creation in their own corners of the world.