Registration opens for 2026 Run for Home

Registration for the 19th annual Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Run for Home opened Oct. 1. The 2026 event will take place April 11–12 in Dover and New Philadelphia.

The weekend will include a half-marathon and three-person team relay Sunday, April 12. Saturday, April 11, will feature family-friendly events such as a kids’ run, one-mile fun run/walk, and 5K and 10K races.

“We want to feature events on Saturday that give everyone a chance to get involved,” said race director Matt Ritzert. “It’s an opportunity for families, groups and company wellness participants to sign up for an event that fits their interest and lifestyle.”

Special registration discounts will be available for families and groups entering the one-mile event.

Challenges and prizes

Runners who complete the 10K Saturday and the half-marathon Sunday will compete in the Run for Home 10K/Half Challenge. Finishers will receive a lightweight hoodie, and awards will be presented to the top three men and women with the fastest combined times.

For the first time, a $500 prize will go to anyone who wins both the 10K and the half-marathon.

The half-marathon and relay will begin at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12. The course runs through Dover and New Philadelphia on city streets and park paths. A $200 cash prize will be awarded if the first-place male or female breaks a course record.

The men’s record of 1:09:38 was set in 2011 by Nik Schweikart. The women’s record of 1:17:18 was set this past April by Megan O’Neil of Rochester, Michigan. Runners who qualified for the 2024 Boston Marathon can register for the half-marathon at half price.

Community impact

The Run for Home is organized by the Run for Home Road Runners Club, which promotes community fitness and raises funds for Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. Over the past 18 years, the race has generated $284,200 for Habitat projects in Tuscarawas County. Proceeds from the 2025 event are helping fund a home under construction in Dennison.

Registration

Early-bird registration discounts will be available through Oct. 10. For details or to sign up, visit www.runforhome.org.

For more information, call Ritzert at 330-827-5710.