Events
Description
Run, flutter, or walk with us! Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is thrilled to launch our inaugural 5k, raising funds to support the Conservatory’s mission to connect the community to nature through educational, cultural, and social experiences inspired by horticulture. This inaugural race celebrates 30 years of the Conservatory’s beloved Blooms & Butterflies exhibition and will feature pollinators from start to finish.
By participating in our 5k, you're not only embarking on a scenic journey through the beautiful Franklin Park but also contributing to impactful efforts that sustain our mission. Your support helps fund educational programs, cultural events, and social initiatives that engage and connect our community. From providing hands-on horticulture workshops to offering immersive cultural experiences, every step you take in this race helps us continue our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all. Join us this summer as we come together to celebrate nature, community, and 30 years of Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Let's run, flutter, or walk for a cause and pave the way for a greener, more connected future.
Our Event Options
5K Run/Walk: A fun tour of the Conservatory grounds and Franklin Park, this event is designed for all ages and abilities!
Caterpillar Crawl Kids Run: Recommend for children 8 and under, the Caterpillar Crawl is a bite-sized race for our younger runners. Participate in the Caterpillar Crawl and head to the Children's Garden afterward for fun activities and entertainment!
Spectator-Only Registration: Interested in attending but running or walking is not your thing? Join us as a spectator and help cheer on participants! Spectator-only registration includes entry to the event and admission to the Conservatory for the day.
Event Start Times
8:10 AM - Caterpillar Crawl Kids Run
8:30 AM - 5K Run/Walk
Additional Event Information
Swag
All participants (5k and Kids Run) will receive a plant and seed packet that is highly attractive to pollinators to help our pollinators thrive and admission to the Conservatory for the day. 5k participants will also receive a Flutter Run t-shirt!
All spectators will receive entrance to the 5k to cheer on their participant(s) and admission to the Conservatory for the day.
By participating in The Flutter Run, you're also helping support the Conservatory. Over 90% of your registration fee goes directly back to the Conservatory to support the mission to connect the community to nature! Franklin Park Conservatory is funded through a combination of earned revenue and fundraising. Two-thirds of the Conservatory's annual operating budget is covered through earned revenue, such as admissions, private rentals, gift shop and cafe sales, classes, and mission-based programs. The remaining one-third of our operating revenue is derived from generous donors, corporate and foundation grants, governmental funding, and fundraising events, such as The Flutter Run. Your participation in The Flutter Run directly supports our mission to connect our community to the natural world.
Early Packet Pickup
Save time in line on race morning and stop by Franklin Park Conservatory on Thursday, June 27th (3-6 PM), Friday, June 28 (3-6 PM), or Saturday, June 29 (10 AM - 1 PM), to get your race gear. Early pickup will be held in Meeting Room B inside the Conservatory building. Just let the front desk know you're there for The Flutter Run early packet pickup! Plug 1777 East Broad St 43203 into your favorite GPS or click here for directions.
Parking
The race takes place at Franklin Park Conservatory, located at 1777 E. Broad Street, fewer than two miles from downtown Columbus near the intersection of East Broad Street and Nelson Road.
- Arriving by car? Parking at the Conservatory is FREE! Please follow all signs for parking as you arrive.
- Arriving by COTA bus? Take the 10 line eastbound and use the stop at E. Broad ST & Franklin Park Conservatory; take the 10 line westbound and use the stop at E. Broad St. & Brunson Ave.
- Arriving by bicycle? There are two bike racks located on the pathway from the main parking lot to the Main Entrance.
Race Day Timeline
Bee ready to bring your wings and flutter through Franklin Park! The more buzz-worthy the better!
- 7:00 AM - Race day registration and check-in begin
- 8:10 AM - The Caterpillar Crawl Kids Run is underway!
- 8:25 AM - 5K line up for pre-race remarks and final instructions
- 8:30 AM - The Flutter Run 5K begins!
- 9:30 AM - 5K awards presentation
- 10:00 AM - The Conservatory building opens
- 11:00 AM - Event concludes
Please note: all spectators and event participants must check in to The Flutter Run by 8:30 AM to gain admission to the Conservatory for the day.
Activities and Entertainment
Come early and stay after the race to celebrate pollinators and the Conservatory's mission! The Conservatory's bar will be open with mixed drinks, beer, and coffee for sale. A fan favorite, Mark Berman, aka "The Bugman", will be in the Children's Garden to share his knowledge and excitement about bugs, while giving you the opportunity to hold his creepy, crawly friends! Hermit crab races will begin at 8:45 am and 10:15 am in the Children's Garden!
The Broke Johnny food truck and OohWee Smoothie truck will be onsite.
When the Conservatory opens at 10 am, we hope you'll check out the beloved Blooms & Butterflies exhibition and Metamorphosis Lab and the new, interactive Color, Fly, Butterfly exhibition in the Cardinal Health Gallery!
Safety
Awards
Special awards will be provided to the top overall female, male, and non-binary finishers as well as the top female, male, and non-binary finisher in each of the following age categories: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over.
Sponsorship
Interested in becoming a sponsor of The Flutter Run? Contact Naomi Merino at nmerino@fpconservatory.org to learn more!
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Place
Columbus, OH US 43203
RaceJoy
Interactive Race Day Experience with RaceJoy
Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers!
We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for The Flutter Run.
Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!
Some key RaceJoy features include:
GPS Progress Alerts
- Receive continual progress updates as you complete your goal.
Live GPS Tracking
- Remote spectators can track your progress live in a map view. You can also track others.
Send-a-Cheer
- Receive supportive audio cheers from remote friends & family.
Virtual Results (virtual events only)
- Enter your race-assigned bib number to automatically submit your finish data for real-time scored results.
