Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy to host inaugural fun walk, 5K

Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy plans to host a new way for people to explore one of the borough’s prime recreation sites.

The inaugural Fox Chapel Foxtrot 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run is set for Sept. 8 in McCahill Park.

“The idea is to have a community event that promotes awareness of our parks and our trails and gets everyone out together for a happy, healthy, inclusive event,” said Jeff Cohen, event organizer and parks commissioner.

The fun run will start at 8:15 a.m. followed by the race at 9. Both activities will begin in the main field.

The mile route goes south to the loop at Salamander Park, then across the street before retracing back to the McCahill field.

The race route goes to Salamander Park, back through McCahill and extends north along Hemlock Hollow into Scott Park, then along the Eliza Fox Trail before turning back to McCahill.

Awards will be given to the top 5K finishers in several divisions.

The event will include free doughnuts and coffee, as well as a balloon artist and live entertainment. Alcohol is prohibited.

Early registration is $15 for the one mile and $30 for the 5K.

Tickets go up to $25 for the mile and $40 for the 5K the day of the event. Participation is capped at 250 people.

The borough’s parks commission and parks conservancy have been planning the event since November.

McCahill Park was chosen as the event location because of its large field and parking area.

Cohen said the goal is not to make money, but to bring people together and offer outdoor fun.

“This is our community’s first try at an event like this, and in our planning efforts it’s become apparent how uniquely strong our community partnerships are across Fox Chapel,” Cohen said.

“Every group, business and institution has been overwhelmingly supportive, and it’s going to be so cool to get outdoors and be active in our beautiful parks and trails together. These events are always fun for everyone, and runners can expect a few fun surprises. Any and all proceeds go straight back to the community so I expect this will sell out fast.”

The conservancy has hosted several events in McCahill Park including its Fire & Ice celebration. That event features ice sculptures and a lantern walk. It also organizes tree and shrubbery plantings.

“The mission is to support, help maintain, preserve and expand the parks,” said Alex Scott, mayor and conservancy chairman.

The group plans to use funds raised at the race for its trail mapping project. Maps are being created for the trailheads along the Eliza Fox Trail.

Parks linked to the trail include Hardie Valley, Salamander, McCahill, Scott, Riding Meadow and Fay near the O’Hara border.

Scott said the trail system makes it possible to walk from the north to the south ends of the borough without leaving the woods.

The mayor hopes to participate in the fun run.

“I think it’s a nice community event,” Scott said. “Everybody is trying to do more community relations.

“This thing we’re doing with the 5K is the same: trying to get people active in doing a fun run. They happen in other communities, occasionally. We have the beautiful trails. It would be a good place to have the run.

“I don’t think we’re nervous, but we’re excited for the event. It’s a good way to bring people together in the community. We’re all gung ho for it.”

More information about Fox Chapel parks and trails is available at foxchapelparksconservancy.org.