5K races near Willard

The Tiffin Zombie Run is a Halloween-season 5K run/walk in Tiffin, Ohio. A 1-mile walk is available for those seeking a shorter option. Participants wear sashes, and zombies positioned along the course attempt to remove them before the finish line. The event welcomes all ages, functioning more as a community costume event than a competitive 5K. The race features separate starts for zombies, the 5K, and the 1-mile walk, concluding with refreshments and an awards ceremony. Awards are given to top finishers by age and gender, plus a best costume prize. Proceeds benefit CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties, supporting the training of local volunteers who advocate in court for abused and neglected children.

The Mansfield and Lexington Turkey Trot begins and ends on the historic B&O Railway Trail, located behind Heartland Church in Lexington, Ohio. This Thanksgiving Day race series features a Kids Fun Run, followed by the half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Virtual 5K, 10K, and half marathon options are also offered, allowing participation without being on the Ohio course. The in-person races are chip timed, providing instant results for finishers. The course utilizes the railway trail for an out-and-back format, with a single start and finish area. The event incorporates holiday themes: participants can select from turkey, elf, or Santa hats (around 20 choices), a tutu, a long-sleeve shirt, or an optional "Burning Thighs Before Pies" hoodie. All registrants receive a custom bib, a finisher medal, snacks, refreshments, and a dessert item like a personal pie, donut, or cookie. Strollers are permitted on the course; dogs are not, but they may be present in the start and finish area.

The Turkey-Wanis 5K is a Thanksgiving morning 5K in Wellington, Ohio, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wellington. It is open as a race or walk, suitable for runners seeking a quick holiday effort and individuals preferring a shorter community event before the day's activities. The route crosses residential Wellington on a flat, fast, accurate course. The event, formerly the Thrive Turkey 5, gives awards to age-group runners and the top male and female finishers. It includes a small Thanksgiving tradition: every registrant is entered into a Pumpkin Pie raffle. Free parking is available at the stadium.

The Dukes 5K & Fun Run begins on the Wellington High School track in Wellington, Ohio. The 5K route starts from the stadium and concludes on the same track. This event features a timed 5K race and a 1-mile Fun Run. Gates open at 8:00 AM, with the 5K commencing at 9:00 AM. This marks the sixth year of the fundraiser for the Wellington High School Track and Field team, held regardless of weather conditions. The 5K course exits the stadium, circles the town, and returns to the track. The Fun Run, however, remains within the stadium, consisting of four laps around the track after the 5K participants have departed. The theme for this year is Heroes and Villains, inviting participants to wear costumes of their favorite heroes or villains. All participants will receive a themed finisher T-shirt and a custom Dukes 5K medal. Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers overall, as well as to winners in various age groups ranging from 13-and-under to 60-and-up.

The Beethoven's Fifth 5K is a 3.1-mile race in Ashland, Ohio, starting at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1360 Smith Road. The race begins at 10:00 a.m., with registration opening an hour prior. Proceeds benefit the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. The course begins and ends at the Smith Road location, making it a straightforward out-and-back route. The theme challenges runners to "beat Beethoven’s 5th Symphony." Participants are sorted into age groups ranging from 14 and under to 60 and over. Early registrants receive a T-shirt and participation medal. Donations to the orchestra also lower the registration fee.