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Home / State News / Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Returns for 2026

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People who register for the event will receive a shirt, medal and race bib for the Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K. 

Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Returns for 2026

January 5, 2026 Aaron Glandon

Article Presented By Kingston National Bank…

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Lace up, roll out, or grab a paddle! The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites Ohioans to join the Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K, returning once again to support tree planting and forest conservation efforts at Ohio State Parks. This one-of-a- kind event, inspired by the legacy of Bob Ross, allows everyone to “make some happy little trees” with each registration supporting donations for tree plantings.
 
“Ohio’s state parks are some of the most beautiful places to be active, and this event lets Ohioans enjoy them while directly contributing to their future,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Every participant helps us plant more native trees and strengthen the forests we all care about.”

From Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, April 26, 2026, participants can complete their 3.1 miles anywhere outdoors either by running, walking, biking, paddling, skating, or rolling. This flexible format makes the Happy Little 5K an accessible way for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors on their own schedule.
 
Registration is now open through Wednesday, April 1, 2026 or until the event sells out (as it did in 2025), so register today to take part in this year’s event. Race packets, including the event T-shirt, commemorative bib, and finisher’s medal, will begin shipping around the first week of March to arrive in time for the virtual race week.

Trees were planted at East Fork State Park thanks to funds from last year’s race registrations.

After completing the 5K, participants are encouraged (but not required) to submit photos and results the weekend before Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22) and the weekend after Arbor Day (Friday, April 24). Submissions help showcase the diverse ways Ohioans enjoy the outdoors while supporting conservation.
 
Since its start in 2004, the Happy Little 5K program has helped produce more than 100,000 native trees, shrubs, and plants for state parks and public lands. Ohio is one of 16 states participating in this year’s event.
 
For more information about Ohio State Parks and outdoor opportunities throughout the year, visit ohiostateparks.gov or follow Ohio State Parks on Facebook and Instagram.

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