The festive spirit will soon take over Downtown Willoughby as the Miracle on Erie Street 5K Run/Walk makes its return this year.
Organized by the Erie Street Miracles, a Willoughby-based nonprofit charitable organization, the 5K is slated for Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. and will feature a Miracle Mile, a 1-mile walk, which is new this year.
According to John Tomaselli, president of the Erie Street Miracles, the organization provides much needed hope during the holiday season. The goal is simple: to restore faith in Christmas miracles one family at a time by providing Christmas mornings to neighbors in need, including those uprooted by domestic violence, recovering from substance abuse, burdened by illness, or simply in need of some holiday cheer.
“Over the past years, this heartfelt mission has touched the lives of close to 300 families through partnerships with organizations like Forbes House, Willoughby’s McKinley Outreach Center, Hannah’s Home (Mentor), Project Hope for the Homeless, Friends of Recovery NEO, Lake/Geauga Recovery Centers and among others,” Tomaselli said. “Each year, their reach expands as they collaborate with new local partners, all made possible through the proceeds from the 5K and Miracle Mile.”
The Miracle on Erie Street 5K event will take place on Dec. 6 this year. (John Tomaselli)
As part of the event, the race route will wind through some of Willoughby’s oldest neighborhoods, offering a mostly flat terrain suitable for participants of all fitness levels. To make the day even more festive, each runner/walker will receive two drink tickets to enjoy celebratory drinks in most of Downtown Willoughby’s bars and restaurants after the race.
The Miracle on Erie Street 5K has a rich history, Tomaselli said.
“Last year, 350 participants ran, walked and smiled their way through the streets of Willoughby,” he said. “Bring the whole family for photos with Santa, Festive Runner Awards, warming hot cocoa and more surprises. Stick around afterwards and explore Willoughby shops, the annual Winter Market and special Willoughby-Eastlake Library holiday programming.”
Registration for The Miracle on Erie Street 5K is now open. To register or donate to support the Erie Street Miracles mission, visit eriestreetmiracles.com.
“Runners and walkers alike are encouraged to participate and help change lives,” Tomaselli said. “It spreads holiday cheer and restores the magic of Christmas to those who need it most. It’s not just a 5K. It’s a miracle on Erie Street.”