Third Annual Lakewood Summer Meltdown 5K & Street Party Is July 21

This year marks the third year for the Lakewood Summer Meltdown 5k & Street Party. The event, which takes place on a closed Detroit Avenue, runs from 4-10 p.m. between Mars and Marlowe Avenues and features family friendly activities, a kids’ fun run, one of the region’s only evening 5K races, and a street party. While the Street Walk name was dropped from the event title, the active living Street Walk component is still part of the event.

With over 500 runners participating in the 5K (3.1 miles) last year, the race has become a major regional draw. The relatively flat and competitive course gives runners a chance to achieve personal records in a fun environment. Race registration is available at www.peaceracing.org. Pre-registration is $20; day of is $25. the kid’s fun run is $15.

New this year is the incorporation of the Street Walk into the Meltdown. “This year’s event combines the best elements of the popular Street Walk with the Meltdown 5K event,” LakewoodAlive Executive Director Ian Andrews said. “By combining the two events, we were able to put the focus around the holistic idea of active-living, something Lakewood is historically known for.

In addition to the featured 5k, the entire event will showcase over 40 local vendors presenting “active-living” demonstrations from yoga to fencing, skateboarding to jazzercise. A one mile fun run for the children will also take place.

After the race, the Street Party kicks into high gear featuring the Burning River Ramblers band, a beer garden (for those 21+ only) and (new this year) three food trucks. Thanks to Melt Bar and Grilled for their support as the title sponsor.  Thanks to the major sponsors for their support: Lakewood Hospital, Caribou Coffee, Discount Drug Mart, Ohio City Pasta, Robeks, University of Akron Lakewood, LiveWell Lakewood, and Geiger’s Clothing and Sports and the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance. Visit www.downtownlakewood.org for more information and www.peaceracing.org to register for the 5K or the kids fun run.