Fremont’s Rutherford B. Hayes Estate Hosts a Presidential 5K

When your state is the birthplace of seven presidents, Presidents Day is always a little extra special. On Feb. 22, the Saturday after Presidents Day, runners can celebrate that heritage at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont. 

For the second year, the Fremont Elite Runners Club is bringing back the Presidents Day 5K at Spiegel Grove, the home of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Though elite is in the run club’s name, participants of all skill levels are welcome to join for a run or walk through the grounds of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and the surrounding area.

The race steps off at 10 a.m., but day-of registrants will want to arrive at the museum auditorium between 8:30 and 9:45 to get their spot in the race. You can also register online in advance, which includes a T-shirt commemorating the race.

Though the 5K is all in fun, there will be first-place prizes awarded for both men and women. To add a little fun to the day, participants are invited to don their best race costume and aim for the costume-contest prize as well. Once the race has concluded and awards have been handed out, enjoy refreshments in the museum auditorium as well as other attractions on the grounds throughout the day.

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums was America’s first presidential library. Following the race, you can visit the Hayes’ home and the on-site museum as well as pay your respects at the grave of Hayes and his wife, Lucy. Race participants are also free to explore Spiegel Grove, a 25-acre arboretum and the name given to the Hayes estate.

To sign up for the race, visit runsignup.com. For more information about Rutherford B. Haye Presidential Library & Museums, visit rbhayes.org

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters. 

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.