The Elephant Run 5K, Steven Michael's Mile and Willow's Fun Run

 

Forget-Me-Not-Baskets Inc. presents The Elephant Run 5K, Steven Michael's Mile, and Willow's Fun Run.

 

Forget-Me-Not Baskets, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides grief support, comfort and remembrance items to families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy or childbirth. We have served over 80 area hospitals & obstetric offices. Forget-Me-Not Baskets uses the elephant as their logo to remind us that, just like elephants, we never forget those we've lost.

The Elephant Run is so much more, than just a race. 

The Elephant Run 5K, Steve Michael's Mile, and Willow's Fun Run will be hosted at Wayne College, Orrville, OH 44667.

****2026****

Every racer will receive a finishers medal!

SHIRTS:

• Shirts are included with the 5K, Steven Michael's Mile, and the Virtual Race.  Shirts are optional for the Willow's Fun Run
• If you would like to personalize your shirt sleeve with a child's name, please select personalized and your shirt size, when choosing your shirt. 
• You will be prompted to add a name. 
• **ADDITIONAL SHIRTS** You have the option to purchase additional shirts during checkout.
• **SIGN** You can purchase signs that will be placed along the race route. 
• **RACE FOR FREE** We have a personal fundraising option. Raise $100 and your race registration will be REFUNDED.
• **TEAMS** Set up a Team Fundraiser and compete to raise the most money. The winning team will be recognized & rewarded during the awards ceremony. Virtual Race Fundraising Teams will be included. 

Ott's Coffee will be available for purchase on race day!!

Race Day Instructions

Pre-Race: Packet pickup and day-of registration begin at 7am. Please enter Wayne College at the Smucker Road entrance, as the Crown Hill Road entrance will be closed, and follow parking signs and volunteer directions. Packet pick-up will be at the main entrance of Wayne College under the awning. Packet Pick-up will close at 7:45am. Strollers are allowed. 

During Race: The course will be well marked; please follow all signs, markings, volunteer directions. Spectators need to stay off the course, especially around the start/finish line as this will be a very busy part of the course. The parking lot will be closed from 8:45-9:15am for the safety of our runners.  Willow's Fun Run will be visible for all parents and spectators from start to finish. 

 Post Race: Refreshments will be available for all participants. Awards will be held at approximately 9:45am. All vehicles must exit Wayne College at the Smucker Road entrance as the Crown Hill Road entrance will be closed. 

Early Packet Pickup Information

We STRONGLY encourage you to pick up your packet before race day morning, especially if you have multiple people you will be picking up for. 

We will host pick-up times TUESDAY-THURSDAY of race week at our FMN Office, 127 E. Liberty Street Suite 390 and on Friday, July 24th at Wayne College. We highly recommend that large groups/families pick up packets early. If you plan to pick up on one of these days, please complete the EARLY PACKET PICKUP FORM or click on the link on the race menu. **If you register after July 18th, you will not be able to pick up your packet until race day. 

• Willow's Fun Run 8:00A

• Steven Michael's Mile 8:15A

• Elephant Run 5K 8:45A

5K Run/Walk Details:

• Awards for the top three overall male and female runners.
• Awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd finisher in each age group for Males & Females.
• Age Groups: 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14,15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
• Chip timed.
• T-shirt and finishers medal for each participant registered by 7/08/26.
• Entry Refund: Set up a personal fundraiser, raise $100 and your registration fee will be refunded. 

 Elephant Run Wheelchair Race:

• Racers will be charged a registration fee, but if the racer needs a racing companion, please reach out to us and we will give you a complimentary companion entry.  Free Companion Pass: email us: fmnbaskets@gmail.com.
• Our parking lot includes a ramp to the starting line, and we will have handicap accessible porta-pots on site.
• Awards for the top three overall finishers.
  Finishers medal, Chip timed, post-race food and refreshments and a t-shirt for each participant registered by 7/08/26.

Steven Michael's Mile Details:

• Chip timed.
• Race shirt and finishers medal for each participant registered by 7/08/26.
• Awards to top three male and female overall.
• Entry Refund: Set up a personal fundraiser, raise $100 and your registration fee will be refunded. 

Willow's Fun Run Details:

• For racers 7 years of age and younger, only. We will host three races for age categories 2-3(and under), 4-5, and 6-7. 
• Each participant will receive a swag bag and an award at the end of their race.    
• Race shirts are NOT included but can be purchased during check out.
• Entry Refunded: Set up a personal fundraiser, raise $50 and your registration fee will be refunded. 

Virtual Race Detail

• Our Virtual Race is back! For family and friends who are unable to make it to the race but still want to support the cause, you can still participate by signing up for our Virtual Race.
• Run/walk your race anytime and report your time to the race director by email, fmnbaskets@gmail.com.                                             
• Race shirts, medals and bibs are included for runners registered by 7/1/26.
• Race Packets will be shipped by or before the week of July 15th.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OR DONATING ITEMS FOR THE ELEPHANT RUN?

Click on the PDF to view our sponsor form and details. 

If you have a way to help that is not listed, please contact Sara Ringle, 330-435-6004. 

Thank you for helping us to make this event so much more than a race.  

We STRONGLY encourage you to pick up your packet before race day morning, especially if you have multiple people, you will be picking up for.

 

Packet pick-up days:

TUESDAY-THURSDAY of race week at the FMN office, 127 E. Liberty Street Suite 390

and

  FRIDAY, July 24th at Wayne College.

We highly recommend that large groups/families pick up packets early.

The link for the Early Packet Pickup form will be available here closer to the event date.

 

 

• Do I have to sign up for a fundraiser?

  • No

• What happens if I don't reach the goal I set up for myself or team?

  • Nothing, we are appreciative for all of your efforts. 

  • If you do raise $100 individually, then your registration will be refunded.

• Do I need to set up an individual fundraiser in order to create or join a team?

  • No, just go down to Create and create a team.  To join a team, find your team and click select.

• Someone gave me cash for my fundraiser, how do I enter that?

  • You can go into your fundraiser and charge yourself or you can send the money to our office and we can manually enter it. 

  • All funds must be entered before race day to be considered for fundraising awards.

• How do I share my story on my fundraiser?

  • We have prefilled the details portion of the fundraiser with a generic template.  You have the option to remove and edit that however you wish.  You can also include pictures. 

PRINTABLE FUNDRAISING FLYER

 

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes all participants and spectators of the Forget-Me-Not Baskets Elephant Run to the beautiful city of Orrville, Ohio. We want you to explore all that Orrville has to offer.  Here are just a few of the city's highlights. 

 

PLACES TO STAY:

1. Cobblestone Hotel & Suites 1720 N. Main St. Orrville 

2. Caskey's Campground 14849 Fosnight Rd. Orrville

 

PLACES TO EAT:

1. Dravenstott's Restaurant 410 W. High Street Orrville

2. Gionino's Pizzeria 127 E. Water St Orrville 

3. Dairy Queen 225 W. High St. Orrville

4. McDonald's 825 N. Main St. Orrville

5. Michael's Bakery 825 N. Main St Orrville

6. Mrs. J's 114 N. Main St. Orrville

7. Old Carolina Barbeque 1330 N. Main St. Orrville

8. Orr Valley Creamery 1402 N. Main St. Orrville

9. Scenic River Coffee, Buehler's 1114 W. High St. Orrville

10. Surehouse Coffee 229 W. Market St. Orrville

11. Que Pasa Authentic Mexican 525 N. Main St. Orrville

12. Junipers 1319 Millborne Rd. Orrville 

13. The Power Bar 1330 N. Main St. Orrville

14. LincWay Cafe & Market 258 Kurzen Rd. Orrville

15. Orr Pizza & Sub 331 W. High St. Orrville

16. The Restaurant at Buehler's 1114 W. High St. Orrville

 

THINGS TO DO: 

• Salt & Honey 147 N. Main St. Orrville

• YMCA 1801 Smucker Rd. Orrville 

• Orr Park 440 N. Elm St. Orrville 

• Orr Pool & Splashpad 207 N. Main St. Orrville 

• Buchwalter Greenhouse 6554 Back Orrville Rd. Wooster

• Journey in Time 1314 Wadsworth Rd. Orrville

• Kidron Town & Country Store 4959 Kidron Rd. Kidron

• Lehman's 4779 Kidron Rd. Kidron

• LincWay Art Studio 258 Kurzen Rd. Dalton

• Orrville Cycling & Fitness 9658 W. High St. Orrville 

• Putt-n-Stuff 134 S Kansas Rd. Orrville

• Riceland Gold Course 11977 Lincoln Way East Orrville

• Shisler's Cheese House 55 Kidron Rd Orrville

• The Bouquet Shop 100 N. Main St. Orrville

• The Pines Golf Club 1319 Millborne Rd. Orrville

• Treasure's & Time 355 W. High St. Orrville

• Ace Hardware 1400 W. High St. Orrville

• Bouquet Shop 100 N. Main St. Orrville

 

This event is not possible without community support.  The Elephant Run SOLD OUT in 2025 and we are expecting over 1,200 runners in 2026.  Click on the form to learn more about multiple sponsorship opportunities.  

 

Steven Michael's Mile: Steven Michael's Mile - Race Shirt/option to Personalize

The Elephant Run/Walk 5K: 5K Race Shirt w/ option to Personalize Sleeve

Elephant Run 5K Wheelchair Race: 5K Race Shirt w/ option to Personalize Sleeve

Virtual Race - Elephant Run/Walk: Virtual Elephant Run Race Shirt/option to personalize

Willow's Fun Run: Purchase T-shirt for Willow's Fun Run/option to personalize