
From the Organizer
Please join us for the Achievement Centers for Children’s 36th Annual A Most Excellent Race at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville!
New for 2026: Anyone who registers after June 9, 2026 will not be guaranteed a shirt and sizes will be subject to availability on event day.
The Camp Cheerful Classic is back for 2026! This spirited dash/walk is open to our CampTherapeutic Horsemanship, Adapted Sports, River Rock, and all other ACC clients on the grounds of Camp Cheerful at 8:30am on race day. This event is free for our client participants! Register online today!
Participants and non-participants can also help support the recreation services at Camp Cheerful by becoming a fundraiser! Click DONATE on the race web page to get started!
Achievement Centers for Children - Camp Cheerful 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville OH 44136
Registration and Check-In
Check-In opens at 7:30 a.m. All participants are to check in at the registration tent to receive your bib and t-shirt. Additional donations accepted on race day.
The Camp Cheerful Classic, a non competitive dash/walk for our clients will kick off at 8:30 am.
Race Start
The Race will begin at 9.00 a.m.
Parking
Parking is at the Best Western Hotel 15471 Royalton Road, Strongsville. Shuttle buses will provide round trip transportation to Camp Cheerful.
Please look for the Shuttle signs in the hotel parking lot. Please allot yourself time to shuttle to Camp Cheerful.
Handicapped participants will have parking available at Camp Cheerful.
The entrance to Camp is on a single lane bridge, please look for and follow volunteer instruction when entering or exiting.
Dogs
Only qualified service animals are permitted at Camp Cheerful.
Strollers
Strollers are permitted on the course.
Family Activities
Weather permitting, we will have limited family activities to include a coloring station, craft and athletic balls for play in the field.
Food and Beverage
Water and snacks will be provided.
VIRTUAL RUN
Want to participate from out of town? You still can! Complete the 5K or 10kk on your own. Run or walk, outdoors or on a treadmill – you choose!
If you would like to submit your 5K result, please click HERE prior to our race day on June 28.
Virtual event participants can live anywhere! Please feel free to invite family and friends from around the country to join you.
T- shirts must be picked up at the Race or at one of ACC’s sites – email events@achievementctrs.org to arrange a pick up at one the sites post-race
Awards
Awards will be distributed at the awards tent. Scan the QR code at the tent to see your results and you can pick up at the awards tent beginning at 930am. Virtual participants are not eligible for awards.
Awards presented to the top three overall male and female runners, as well as the top three male and female in the following age groups:
19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over
About the Achievement Centers for Children
The mission of the Achievement Centers for Children is to empower children and adults with disabilities and their families to achieve their greatest potential. We have been serving northeast Ohio for over 80 years. Camp Cheerful has been serving the community for over 75 years as Ohio's first barrier free or fully accessible camp for people with disabilities. Today, children and adults with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities continue to enjoy and benefit from typical camp activities.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
83°
Typical Low
64°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cleveland, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
46,022
as of 2023
Nearest Airport
CLE
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport · 7 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at A Most Excellent Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
20
Days to train
Coming Up
Cleveland Oktoberfest 5K Bier Run
4 miles away
River Run Half Marathon
4 miles away
Bubble Blast Kathleen DePiero Memorial 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
5 miles away
KWF Cleveland Chapter's 2nd Annual 5k FUN Run & 1 Mile Walk
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Most Excellent Race
Jun 28, 2026