The Flight of the Heron is a run that celebrates the continuing renewal of the Little Cuyahoga and Cuyahoga Rivers in Akron. The run kicks off the City of Akron’s annual Blue Heron Homecoming festival, an environmental festival that provides family-friendly tours, educational opportunities, giveaways, demonstrations, activities, waterway safety, recreation and community around the City’s largest capital investment in public infrastructure and waterway renewal. This year's festival theme is The Ripple Effect!

Awards go to male and female age group winners and the top three male and female runners overall.

When: NEW DATE! July 18, 2026

Place: NEW LOCATION! Mustill Store Museum - 57 West North Street, Akron

Start Times:

• Registration 9:00 am
• Race 10:00 am

Awards: Every registrant receives a medal and socks. This is while supplies last!

Notes:

• Strollers are welcome but please no dogs. Children 5 and under are free.