Prairie Striders Running Club kicks off its 2026 outdoor racing season with the Arbor Day 5K at the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center on April 24.
The free, timed event is co-sponsored by the Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. The race begins at 6:30 a.m. and follows the trails at Dakota Nature Park. The finish line and post-race refreshments will be inside the adventure center for a better location to socialize in case of inclement weather.
While the event is free, registration is required. This year online registration is being requested to make for shorter lines on race day. To do so, go to http://www.raceentry.com/kay-cheever…/race-information.
Formally known as the Arbor Day 5K, the event honors Brookings’ “Friend of Trees” Kathleen “Kay” Cheever, who died Jan. 9, 2002. She was a lifelong advocate for the planting, nurturing and appreciating trees in the Brookings area. Cheever served on the Brookings Arbor Day Committee at its inception and initiated this event.
The city’s forestry department provides a free seedling to all participants. Traditionally, the race has been a great attraction for families and also is walker and stroller friendly.
For more information, contact race director Dan Radtke at [email protected].
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