Everybody is a Runner: Hermes Road Race Series Review

We didn’t think of ourselves as runners either. But we signed up anyway. Our first race was The Christmas Story run in Tremont. It was not easy but the energy of the Cleveland crowd got us to the finish line. We ran a 10k, and you can too. Besides the fun – our new hobby has trimmed off pounds, reduced cholesterol, and lowered heart rates. That is why we have partnered with Hermes race management company; we want to spread the health.

Hermes has been managing road races and other programs for over four decades. They are in charge of 180 races each year. Although they call Cleveland home, their race calendar includes local and national races. Each year, they offer a premiere lineup of their most popular road races in the Cleveland area. It starts in January with the Resolution 5k Run in Westlake. In December, the program wraps up with Santa’s in Tremont. Between, there are several themed races like Will Run For Tacos and Donut Worry Run Happy. 

This year, we have participated in three Hermes events. First was the Chili Bowl Classic 5k at Hofbrauhaus. For 35 years, Cleveland firefighters and police officers have made delicious chili the morning of the race. Since it is in February, warm chili really hits the spot! Afterward, racers enjoy genuine German cuisine and giant beers on tap. Between polkas and Hey Sloopy, finishers get their awards. Here is the great part – all Hermes races have a virtual option. So, you can run the race anywhere. Hate the cold? Run on the beach instead like two of us did.

Next, we participated in the Jameson St. Patricks Day Run. With kilts as far as the eye could see, the race set the holiday mood. This was an easy to follow looping course that began and ended in the warehouse district. As Jameson was a sponsor, we enjoyed free spiked seltzers while wearing Jameson swag. It was loud, it was green, and it was a blast. Plus, the proceeds benefit the Irish American Charitable Foundation.

Finally, we finished up with the Hermes 10 Miler at Edgewater Park. Don’t be too impressed – we chose the four-mile option. With sunglasses on, we ran along the shores of Lake Erie. We almost (almost) forgot we were running with the gorgeous scenery and lake breezes. For the next two miles we found energy in the stunning homes and tree-lined streets on the westside. We walked to our car with a runner’s high and agreed that the Hermes 10 Miler was our favorite race.

There is a race every weekend on the Herme’s event calendar and 25 premiere events throughout the year including: 

• Resolution 5k Run in Westlake, Oh
• Garage Sale 5k in Cleveland, Oh
• Half a Half 6.5 at the Emerald Necklace Marina
• Spring Fever 4 Miler in Wesltake, Oh
• Treat Yo Self in Cleveland, Oh
• Crocker Bark 5k and 1 Mile Walk at Crocker Park
• Just Run Tremont in Tremont, Oh
• It’s Freezin’ Season Trail Run at the Rocky River Reservation
• Mom’s Rock 5k in Westlake, Oh
• Race for the Blue in Lakewood, Oh
• Full Moon Trail Series at Cleveland Metroparks
• Will Run For Tacos in Cleveland, Oh
• Inside the Park Homerun at Progressive Field
• Hofbrauhaus Cleveland in Cleveland, Oh
• Cleveland Oktoberfest 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk in Berea, Oh
• River Run Half Marathon at the Rocky River Reservation
• Donut Worry Run Happy in Cleveland, Oh
• The Dead Sprint  in Cleveland, Oh
• Turkey Trot  in Cleveland, Oh
• Pigskin Classic  in Cleveland, Oh
• Reindeer Run  in Lakewood, Oh
• Santas in Tremont in Tremont, Oh

We saw astonishing runners, walkers, strollers, dogs, and everything in between. There were families, couples, singles, and girlfriends. Company teams like ours, people in tutus, and cancer sucks T-shirts. And everyone cheered for each other right down to the last person to cross the finish line. Running not your thing? Check out the best urban hiking spots in Cleveland.

Water and running go hand in hand. Don’t forget to stay hydrated! See you at the next race : )

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