Every Trail Project

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Finishing my first 50k which I ran completely within Prairie Oaks Metro Park

 

In March when, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Ohio issued a stay-at-home order, I know I’m not the only one who said to myself “I hope this doesn’t include Metro Parks.” I was relieved when through the hard work and diligence of the Metro Parks staff that the parks would be staying open and now, almost 7 months into the pandemic, they remain a gift to all of us. Since March 23 (the beginning of the Ohio’s first stay-at-home order) I have run over 430 miles in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks alone. The parks have been an escape for me, a place to find peace  and a connection to nature during these challenging times.

 

A few weeks ago as I reflected on how important the parks have been to me and to so many, I decided I wanted to do something that could celebrate, bring awareness to and even raise a few dollars for our Metro Parks. That is when the idea for the Every Trail Project came to life. Our Metro Parks have over 230 miles of trails within 19 parks and I plan to run every mile of trail in the Metro Park system (except for a few bridle trails) during the month of September. As I run, I want to take in all that our parks have to offer and write about what I see and feel here. And, I hope to raise some money for Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, who work to support and advocate for our Metro Parks. To support this effort you can visit this donation page and select “Every Trail Project” in the Donation Details section.

 

I hope you will join me in appreciating and celebrating this wonderful resource! You can follow along here and on my Instagram page. Get outside, stay healthy and find joy!

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