March 4 millcreek distance classic Half Marathon, 5k Run ytownrunners.org/classic Not for the faint of heart, with 19 hills in 13.1 miles, the Distance Classic route takes runners past two lakes, Lanterman’s Mill and Falls, a cascade and Mill Creek. The weather is as much a part of the mystique of this race as the course itself. May 13 Spring Classic Sprint Triathlon 500yd Swim, 14mi Bike, 5k Run springclassicsprint.com The Davis Family YMCA and the Steel Valley Triathlon Club join forces to create an exciting annual triathlon. The race starts with a 500-yard swim in indoor and outdoor pools, followed by a scenic and smooth 14-mile bike ride and concludes with a 5k run. June 3 Youngstown MARATHON Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k Run, Kids Run youngstownmarathon.com Youngstown’s own full marathon returns to the Valley for the second year. Distance options include full, half and 5k courses each winding through the hilly and scenic Mill Creek Park. July 4 firecracker 4 4mi Run, Kids 1mi Run canfield4thofjuly.com The annual race starts and finishes on the Green in Canfield where the scene is set for fun family games to entertain before and after the 53rd Annual Independence Day Parade. August 26 panerathon 10k Run, 2mi Fun Run/Walk panerathon.org Panerathon, held at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown, is one of the largest fundraising events in the Valley. The event has raised $2 million to date for the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley in support of The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital. September 15 YOUNGSTOWN ULTRA TRAIL CLASSIC 50k (125 spots available), 25k (40 spots available) wp.neotrail.org/yutc/ This annual Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic (YUTC) runs along Mill Creek pathways on a single-track trail next to lakes, streams and waterfalls. It consists of hills, rocks, roots and pavement, including 86% trails and 14% pavement. September 16 Green Cathedral Half Marathon, 5k Run, Kids Run millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/things-to-do/green-cathedral/ The Green Cathedral winds through beautiful (and hilly) Mill Creek Park. A great training race for fall marathons. October 13 The Dam run 5k Run/Walk hallidayswinery.com An entirely off-road race featuring a picturesque course that combines cinder, grass and golf cart trails with bridges that cross the Mahoning River. After the run, celebrate on the banks of Lake Milton at Halliday’s Winery. October 21 Youngstown Peace Race 10k Run, 2mi Run/Walk, 400m Kids Run peacerace.org The Peace Race was founded in 1975 as a way to bring together athletes from around the world for a day of competition, friendship and understanding. The point-to-point 10k race takes runners through Mill Creek Park during the peak of fall foliage. Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway The MetroParks Bikeway is an 11-mile paved trail and offers a variety of scenery. The Kirk Road Trailhead, located near the midpoint of the Bikeway, has a parking lot, restrooms, water fountains and picnic pavilion. 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd. (Rt. 46), Canfield, OH 44406 Stavich Bicycle Trail The only bicycle trail in the US that takes cyclists through two states. This 12-mile trail originates in Struthers on the western end and continues east to New Castle, PA. It runs parallel to the scenic Mahoning River and the former Youngstown-New Castle streetcar line. Broad St. (Rt. 289), Struthers, OH 44471, 330-536-6221 Lake Milton Mountain Bike Trail For those who prefer to take the path less traveled, the Lake Milton Mountain Bike Trail is a developing, obstacle-free trail. Currently at approximately 4 miles, the trail has tight turns, short, punchy climbs and descents. It is ridden as an out-and-back and rides great in both directions. Trailhead can be found off Ellsworth Road near the southeast corner of the lake. 16801 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton, OH 44429, 330-654-4989 parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakemilton parks & recreation Running & biking trails 800-447-8201 youngstownlive.com | 13 races & places local bike trails