Don’t delay in signing up for the Spring Scamper Fun Run, a 2.5-mile fun run set for Saturday, May 10.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 7. Sign up online or call 815-727-8700.

The run will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access in Joliet. You can tackle the run at your own pace, from walking to sprinting, whatever you prefer.

“Our fun run events are a great opportunity for groups of friends and families to get out and enjoy Hadley Valley,” said Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve District’s recreation coordinator. “It’s such a beautiful preserve and has a great trail for a morning walk or run. At this time of year, everything is buzzing with spring energy and expectancy, so we wanted to take a day to celebrate that with the community.”

The program also will feature a face painter, a photo booth, lawn games, seed-planting kits and free refreshments from The Emerald Cup. 

“The photo booth will have a spring theme with flowers,” Wilcher said. “Lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga will be available after the run, and everyone can take home a seed-planting kit. The Emerald Cup will serve doughnuts and pastries for snacks and cold beverages including cold brew coffee and lemonade with fun flavor add-ins.” 

Wilcher encouraged those who haven’t signed up for a Forest Preserve program before to sign up. 

"We’re looking forward to a fun, celebratory morning and hope some new folks who haven’t joined us for an event before will come see what it’s like to enjoy nature right here in the heart of the county," she said. 

Strollers and wagons are welcome. Please leave your bicycles and dogs at home.

The trail is crushed limestone, and the event area includes paved paths and natural, uneven surfaces.