Woodcock Nature Center “Where the Wild Things Run” 5K Welcomes Runners of All Ages

Woodcock Nature Center welcomes runners, hikers and walkers of all ages at its annual Where the Wild Things Run 5K and Kids Fun Run on Sunday, Oct. 6. For several decades, this event has highlighted Woodcock’s nearly five miles of publicly accessible trails and raised money for the center’s educational programs.

The popular 5K, which kicks-off at 9 a.m., is 90% trail with a mix of groomed trails, rugged trails and narrow bridges/boardwalks. The terrain of the 5K will highlight the diversity and beauty of the Woodcock property.

A shorter 1K Kids Fun Run geared towards ages 6-and-up kicks-off at 8:30 a.m.. This course is appropriate for walkers and runners of all ages. Parents are welcome to accompany their children.

After the Kids Fun Run families are invited to stick around for some unique post-race festivities on the nature center grounds, including food, music, games, nature crafts, animal encounters, and more. The nature center building, which is home to more than 20 reptiles and amphibians, will be open for visiting as will the natural playground and fitness trail.

Woodcock welcomes interested businesses to inquire about sponsorship opportunities which can include inclusion on the race t-shirt, cross-promotions and a table at the race finish. Special thanks to current sponsors, many of whom will be in attendance:  Fairfield County Bank, Outdoor Sports Center, Ridgefield Pediatrics and Merrell.

Organizers are expecting over 150 participants, so runners are encouraged to register in advance on the Woodcock website. Race fees are $35 for the 5K and $20 for the Kids Fun Run. Race t-shirts will be provided to the first 100 registrants.

Pre-race packet pickup and registration will take place at Ridgefield Running Company and Outdoor Sports Center on Saturday, Oct. 5. Day-of packet pick-up and registration at Woodcock opens at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 6. More details are available on the Woodcock website.