A Most Excellent Race - 36th Annual
Join us for the Achievement Centers for Children’s 36th Annual A Most Excellent Race at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville! This event supports the recreation services at Camp Cheerful.
New for 2026: Anyone who registers after June 9, 2026 will not be guaranteed a shirt and sizes will be subject to availability on event day.
Camp Cheerful Classic
The Camp Cheerful Classic is back for 2026! This spirited dash/walk is open to our Camp Therapeutic Horsemanship, Adapted Sports, River Rock, and all other ACC clients on the grounds of Camp Cheerful at 8:30 am on race day. This event is free for our client participants!
Participants and non-participants can also help support the recreation services at Camp Cheerful by becoming a fundraiser! Click DONATE on the race web page to get started!
Registration and Check-In
Check-In opens at 7:30 a.m. All participants are to check in at the registration tent to receive your bib and t-shirt. Additional donations accepted on race day.
The Camp Cheerful Classic, a non-competitive dash/walk for our clients, will kick off at 8:30 am.
Race Start
The Race will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Parking
Parking is at the Best Western Hotel, 15471 Royalton Road, Strongsville. Shuttle buses will provide round-trip transportation to Camp Cheerful. Please look for the Shuttle signs in the hotel parking lot. Please allot yourself time to shuttle to Camp Cheerful. Handicapped participants will have parking available at Camp Cheerful. The entrance to Camp is on a single-lane bridge; please look for and follow volunteer instructions when entering or exiting.
Dogs
Only qualified service animals are permitted at Camp Cheerful.
Strollers
Strollers are permitted on the course.
Family Activities
Weather permitting, we will have limited family activities to include a coloring station, craft, and athletic balls for play in the field.
Food and Beverage
Water and snacks will be provided.
VIRTUAL RUN
Want to participate from out of town? You still can! Complete the 5K or 10K on your own. Run or walk, outdoors or on a treadmill – you choose! If you would like to submit your 5K result, please click HERE prior to our race day on June 28. Virtual event participants can live anywhere! Please feel free to invite family and friends from around the country to join you. T-shirts must be picked up at the Race or at one of ACC’s sites – email [email protected] to arrange a pick-up at one of the sites post-race.
Awards
Awards will be distributed at the awards tent. Scan the QR code at the tent to see your results and you can pick up at the awards tent beginning at 9:30 am. Virtual participants are not eligible for awards. Awards presented to the top three overall male and female runners, as well as the top three male and female in the following age groups: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over.
About the Achievement Centers for Children
The mission of the Achievement Centers for Children is to empower children and adults with disabilities and their families to achieve their greatest potential. We have been serving northeast Ohio for over 80 years. Camp Cheerful has been serving the community for over 75 years as Ohio's first barrier-free or fully accessible camp for people with disabilities. Today, children and adults with physical, developmental, and sensory disabilities continue to enjoy and benefit from typical camp activities.
