REGISTRATION NEWS
Wow! I can’t believe we have over 210 entries and it’s still February. We’re almost half-way too the cutoff of 500 entrants. Better jump on board now as you don’t want to miss a fantastical night in the woods. Over 1,400 luminaries will mark the 3.1-mile route as it winds through the woods and around the marsh at Buckeye Woods Park. You can register online at signmeup.com or download a paper form.
Lightning Bug Run 2012
Thanks for taking the time to check us out. Last year’s inaugural race/walk was a great success. We had over 400 runners and walkers sign up to experience the most unique event on Medina County. They were not disappointed as Mother Nature provided the atmosphere for a great night in Buckeye Woods Park. Words line “magical,” “mysterious,” “wonderful,” and “scary” were used to describe entrants’ experiences.
They were describing what it was like to follow a 3.1 mile course lighted by over 1,400 luminaries in a dark and misty woodland setting. Normally quiet during the daylight, the unseen critters which inhabit the marsh were in full voice that night, adding a rush of sound to the visual experience. Participants who had decorated themselves with their complementary glow rings could be seen bouncing along the course. It was a fabulous sight!
Changes for 2012
MORE ENTRY SLOTS: When we set the limit at 400 entrants for 2011, we had no idea we would sell out three weeks before the race date. It wasn’t fun turning away runners and walkers who wanted to participate. We have decided to increase the entry limit to 500. The increased number is no guarantee of getting in, so please consider registering early if you want to participate.
NEW STARTING TIME: The race will start at 9:20 p.m. this year. This will insure that the 1,400-plus luminaries will stand out more as dusk slips into darkness.
MORE COLOR: Some folks were pretty creative with the glow rings they received as part of their entry fee. It was a blast seeing how they wrapped them around their necks, arms or legs and then watching the glowing shapes move along in the dark. We wondered what wondrous shapes would emerge if we offered entrants the opportunity to use even more rings. You will receive a complementary glow ring as usual, but others will be available for purchase at the registration shelter prior to the race start. Feel free to go crazy.
Things that haven’t changed
GREAT FAMILY FUN: As witnessed last year, this is a great way for families to experience nature in a whole new way. The natural residents of the woods and marsh at Buckeye Woods who are quiet in the daylight, make themselves known after dark.Their serenade provided a shared experience for all.
UNIQUE AWARDS: The etched quart jars awarded to age group award winners will be back for 2012. Who else offers an award which can be either set on the mantle, or used to hold your captured lightning bugs?
A GREAT SHIRT: Adult, children and gender specific shirts will be available again. The Bug will be back, but will his tail glow in 2012? Stay tuned.
REFRESHMENTS: Light snacks and drinks will be available. I’m sure the homemade cookies will make a return appearance as they were a pretty big hit.
The Experience
We feel the Lightning Bug Run 5K run/walk (aka The Bug) is likely the most unique event in Medina County. This 5K run/walk set for May 12, 2012 at 9:20 p.m. offers a great new way to experience nature. Here is why. Imagine walking or running in the daylight in beautiful Buckeye Woods Park, your feet crunching on the gravel trail as you pass under majestic trees, cross a stream and go around a natural marsh filled with wildflowers, ducks, Canada geese, frogs and other unseen critters.
Now imagine following the same path at night. Everything has changed. Awareness of your surroundings is heightened by the darkness. A trail of light created by 1,400 luminaries placed along the path shows you the way. Sound awesome? Last year’s participants thought it was really, really awesome!
The Lightning Bug Run 5K run/walk is produced by Run For The Trails, Inc., the non-profit organization which for the past 11 years has successfully produced Run For The Trails 5K run/walk each Labor Day in Seville. Run For The Trails, Inc. is working hand-in-hand with Friends of the Parks and the Medina County Park District. The Lightning Bug Run 5K run/walk was conceived as a way to generate funding for the extension of existing trails in Medina County and in the Village of Seville.
Check out our other pages on this site about lightning bugs and our sponsors. . Click on the appropriate name on the black bar just below The Bug header. The registration page gives you all the details about signing up.
Hope to see you on May 12, 2012 at 9:20 p.m.!
