#THENINAEFFECT Memorial 5K Nature Trail Run and 1 Mile Dog Walk

Make plans now to join us in a CELEBRATORY morning outside, in nature, soaking in the spring sunshine with your 4-legged Best Friend honoring our dear friend Nina Lea Allen. We're again hosting our 5k Nature Trail Run and a 1 Mile Nature (Dog) Walk on Saturday, May 4th at 8:30 AM (5K start)/ 9 AM (1 Mile start) at Campbell Woods- 20148 FM 449 in Longview. THIS YEAR, we're adding a super FUN "Nina's Nature Scavenger Hunt" for the kiddos. Our Run/Walk/Hunt is hosted by Dr. John and Maggie Campbell at their absolutely breathtaking 105 acre property right outside of Longview and funded by Longview PAWS. 

REGISTRATION:

- 5K Nature Trail Run is $35 and includes Event Tee, Run Participant Swag, NINA sticker, 1 Drink Ticket (AGE LIMIT: due to the severity of the Trail Run, our 5K is limited to ages 10 and up). 5K is a non-timed, non-competitive run. 

- 1 Mile Nature Trail (Dog) Walk is $25 and includes Event Tee, Dog Bandanna (if bringing dog), NINA sticker, 1 Drink Ticket  (Children MUST BE SUPERVISED at ALL TIMES). 1 Mile Walk is a non-timed, non-competitive walk. If you plan to Walk the Trail, you must register. Registration is for you- no dog required. Your Dog is just an added bonus. 

- Nina's Nature Scavenger Hunt is a new, FUN, add-on for the kiddos (age 4 and up- must be able to walk on uneven terrain) for $10. Families can walk the 1 Mile Walking trail together enjoying nature. Children will be provided a Nature Map at sign-in where they can explore, being on "the hunt" for simple yet special gratitude items capturing Nina's spirit. If all Nature items are discovered, 1 super cool prize will be awarded per entry. 

Let's all join as friends for one of the most unique and exciting 5K trail runs (and Walk) offered in East Texas. Experience unrivaled course markings, fun swag honoring our Nina, water/aid support and truly exhilarating scenery. Run, walk or just come enjoy the morning. Friends and supporters get in free and everyone is welcome to join in the CELEBRATION. 

The fully cleared and wide, marked trails pass by beautiful water features, cold creek crossings, scenic stopping points and go up and over some of the most gorgeous nature in East Texas. While the scenery is a beautiful backdrop, the TRAILS ARE NOT for THE FAINT of HEART. Our 5K/1 Mile Walk will require physicality and endurance for both you and your Pup. This is not your typical paved path you run or walk in our area- hills, turns, steep inclines, step overs and more. Come conditioned and prepared- it will be worth it!! 

After our 5K/ 1 Mile Walk, stick around and enjoy our after Celebration where we gather to remember and celebrate our dear Nina with live music by her Aunt Lulu VanTuckett, yummy food trucks, cold libations and fellowship with family, friends and our favorite 4-legged pups. ALL of Nina's FAVORITE things!! 

RULES/SUGGESTIONS for a fun, safe morning: 

#THENINAEFFECT 5K Nature Trail/Run/Dog Walk Goal:
Our 5K Nature Trail Run/1 Mile Walk is about Celebrating our Friend Nina, living in the moment and enjoying all the beauty that surrounds you. Our Goal is for our participants to have a fun experience, together, as a family or amongst friends. We offer a chance to exercise, soak in the beautiful scenery that is Campbell Woods, and create memories. Bottom line, we want families and friends to grow closer together because of #THENINAEFFECT Run/Walk and truly appreciate the lasting impact Nina has on all of us. In addition to our Run/Walk, we will provide fun like yard games, face painting, temporary tattoos, live music by the incredibly talented Lulu Vantuckett welcoming friends of all ages (2 and 4 legged). 
 
Day-of Check-In:
All Participants must check-in prior to start time at our designated registration table. Each participant will receive a numbered bracelet. This bracelet acknowledges us of your attendance. This pre-race bracelet is very important for your safety & the safety of our volunteers/hosts. It gives us the ability to check you out once you’ve finished the Event safely.
 
Trail Running/Walking Safety: 
- Do some research on Trail Running.
Trails will have rocks, roots, slick red clay, streams, steep drops and possibly some climbing that involves utilizing your hands as well.

- Try to Run/Walk with someone or stay visible to others. If you are not a seasoned trail runner/walker, you might consider running with a partner or group. There is safety in numbers. Make this a fun, friend outing. 

- For participants safety, Dogs are strongly discouraged on the 5K Run (unless they are used to long-distance running). Our 1 Mile Walk is set-up for the human/dog experience and we encourage you to bring them along. Dogs could potentially get distracted by nature and slow down, trip up or endanger themselves and other runners. If you plan to bring your dog for our Walk, please do not allow dogs to engage with cattle or horses. Retractable leashes ARE NOT allowed. Dogs must be collared or harnessed and preferably chipped. NO STROLLERS or WAGONS ALLOWED. 

- Please carry ID.
Make sure you have some type of ID with you for emergencies. Also, consider carrying your phone or wearing your watch should you need to reach someone on our designated trails.

- Please be prepared for the Environment.
Consider some type of protection with you and your dog from Nature. This Event WILL BE held in the Deep Woods of East Texas. Make sure you have bug spray and sunscreen to protect you from the elements. There will be mosquitos, ticks, spiders and creepy crawlers. After the run/walk is completed, make sure to check yourself and your dogs for ticks and anything else you may have picked up along the way.

- Make sure to pack enough hydration and fuel.
While our location is just on the outskirts of Longview city limits, there will not be water fountains or a convenience store to pop in along our trails. Make sure you plan accordingly. This will be a NO CUP Run/Walk. You may stop and fill up your pack or water bottle at the check-in stations, but we will not have cups in order to preserve the beauty of Campbell Woods. Think ahead for YOU and YOUR DOG. Plenty of drink and food options will be available at the end of the run/walk to help celebrate your finish. 

- Please don’t wear your headphones.
Enjoy the nature around you and it will be easier to listen for any warnings on the trail.

- Make sure to dress appropriately for the run.
Check the weather before heading out and make sure you dress accordingly. A rain jacket might be necessary for rain. Also, make sure you are wearing trail shoes that provide good traction for uneven and slippery surfaces. We recommend shoes that you do not mind getting dirty and wet. Scotch guarding them is a great idea.

- Know how to fall properly.
Try to avoid any sharp dangerous objects as best as you can. To absorb a fall, keep your arms close to chest with the palms out (keeping the arms out has a higher risk for injury).

- Post Run/Walk, make sure you recover properly.
After a Run/Walk, make sure you are stretching and rehydrating. This will allow you to enjoy the rest of the event and get back on the trails sooner. Food/drink options will be available for your recovery and enjoyment after the Event. 

-#THENINAEFFECT Finish Line
All participants will complete the Run/Walk back at Registration. Make sure to stop in and collect your Event Swag.