Ready, sweat, go! Registration will open soon for the 16th Annual Meltdown 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run and Walk, centerpieces of LakewoodAlive’s Lakewood Summer Meltdown sponsored by Melt Bar and Grilled. The event takes place Saturday, July 20, from 4 to 10 p.m. in on Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood. The Meltdown 5K, sponsored by Cleveland Clinic, and the 1 Mile Family Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation & Education Department, serves as a fundraiser for LakewoodAlive.

This ever-popular staple of the Summer Meltdown draws hundreds of participants annually – and for good reason. In addition to the usual race perks (fast course, chip timing, official race t-shirt and prizes for top finishers), the Meltdown 5K offers a unique opportunity to participate in an evening race (7 p.m. start) with live music, food vendors and a beer garden stationed at the end to reward you for your efforts. The course also offers participants views of Lakewood’s historic neighborhoods and the opportunity to run alongside beautiful Lake Erie.

Now is the time to secure your Meltdown 5k registration and start training. The price for the Meltdown 5K increases on the day of the event, so buy early and save! In the spirit of celebrating the 16th Summer Meltdown, the first 50 sign ups will be discounted to $20 followed by a pre-sale rate of $30 and day-of $35.

For those Meltdown attendees, young and old, interested in a more relaxed exercise experience, the 1 Mile Family Fun Run and Walk precedes the Meltdown 5K at 6 p.m. This crowd-pleasing event is priced right at $15 per participant (includes a t-shirt) and intended for anyone to enjoy, attracting a large family turnout. Enjoy this fun summer tradition while supporting LakewoodAlive at the same time. We can't wait to see you at the race. On your marks, get set, register!

For more information regarding Lakewood Summer Meltdown 2024, please visit LakewoodAlive.org/Meltdown.