Global Running Day 2.25-mile Trail Run/Walk - Motivated by Nature for Harris Nature Center

Join us on Global Running Day for an adventure run/walk through the trails of the 100-acre Harris Nature Center and Eastgate Park!! This 2.25-mile loop is a great opportunity to see nature just outside your backdoor. After crossing the finish line, join us at the Center's pavilion for some refreshments. Kids are welcome - 10 and under are free!

Location: The start/finish of the event will be at the trailhead just outside the Harris Nature Center building, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Harris Nature Center Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides a source of funding for special projects to enhance the facilities and programs of the Harris Nature Center in Meridian Township, Michigan.

Cost: Early event registration is $25 per participant through May 14th, then $30 after. Note that RunSignUp charges additional processing fees. Kids aged 10 and younger are free but must be registered to participate. Thanks to our generous sponsors, all of your registration costs will go to the Harris Nature Center Foundation's goal to improve the Nature Exploration Area with a new Hawk's Nest feature.

About Harris Nature Center
Situated along the Red Cedar River and within Meridian Riverfront Park, Harris Nature Center's focus is on protecting, promoting and interpreting the Red Cedar River through educational opportunities. The Nature Building offers educational displays and live animal exhibits, surrounded by six miles of trails, forest, meadows, wetlands and the banks of the Red Cedar River. Harris Nature Center is the only nature center in Mid-Michigan dedicated to the preservation of the Red Cedar River.

Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather (i.e. there is an active weather warning or the heat index over 100), the event will be cancelled. Because this event is a fundraiser for the Harris Nature Center Foundation, all fees and costs are non-refundable.

We greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors and volunteers who make it possible for us to host the 2026 Motivated by Nature Trail Run/Walk!

Purchase a t-shirt to show your support for the Harris Nature Center Foundation. Thanks to support from Consumers Credit Union, you can add a 'Motivated by Nature' t-shirt to your registration for only $5 each! Orders placed by May 14, 2026 are guaranteed a shirt. Additional shirts may be available to purchase at the event. 

All proceeds support the Harris Nature Center Foundation's 2026 goals:

• Provide more school bus scholarships to include more students in nature education programs.
• Build a new Nature Exploration Area feature – the Hawk’s Nest – a one-of-a-kind play structure built specifically for Harris Nature Center.

Harris Nature Center Parking 
Parking is permitted within the Harris Nature Center lot.
We anticipate an awesome turn out for the day! To promote an enjoyable experience for all, we encourage participants to arrive early and carpool if possible, as spots are limited.  
For directions - CLICK HERE 

Legg Park Parking 
Additional parking is available at Legg Park, approximately 0.25 miles away from the Harris Nature Center entrance.
For directions - CLICK HERE