By Anna Skinner
The Valentine’s Day-themed Melt the Trail run will return for its third year Feb. 4 at Grand Park. Last year, approximately 300 attendees participated in the race, and Community Events Manager Emily Clark said the parks department is hoping for an increase.
“First of all, Westfield works really hard to clear the trails and keep them clean and plowed during the winter, which is really great just with the convenience of having 10 miles of trails (at Grand Park) that you don’t have to close down a road, and it’s safe,” Clark said. “Also, with the indoor facility and the events center, it’s a great location to have a winter run. We really couldn’t do it without those factors.”
The Valentine’s Day costume contest will return, with prizes awarded for categories such as single, couple, family and stroller. New this year is a 10K run option. Runners who opt for the 10K will travel the same route as the 5K participants but with two loops.
“The point of Grand Park is, you can have a lot longer races there, and we haven’t expanded on that yet,” Communications Director Erin Murphy said.
The Grand Park Events Center will be available for packet pick-up and registration. A photo booth, face painting, hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be available after the race. The race begins and ends in parking lot C.
All participants who sign up prior to the deadline will receive a medal and a long-sleeved tech shirt. Walkers, runners and families are welcome to attend, but those not running are encouraged to participate in the 5K. The course is stroller-friendly. Registration is available with a guaranteed shirt until Jan. 27. Cost is $35 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K. On-site registration also will be available, but a shirt is not guaranteed.
Volunteer opportunities are available. For more, visit enjoywestfieldevents.com
Melt the Trail Schedule
- 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. – Packet pick-up and on-site registration at the Grand Park Events Center
- 9 a.m. – 10K begins
- 9:15 a.m. – 5K begins
