Stars & Strides 5K & 1-Mile Walk Returns September 12 to Support Local Veterans and Affordable Housing

nkuson
2 days ago
3 min read

Registration is now open for Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity's Stars & Strides 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk! Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio, and help make a lasting impact for local veterans and families across Lake and Geauga Counties.

Every registration supports critical home repairs for local veterans and the construction of Home #101, an affordable home that will soon provide a veteran or veteran family in Geauga County with a safe, stable place to call home.

Register Now for Stars & Strides 2026

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Location: Lakeland Community College — 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, OH 44094

Race Schedule

9:00 AM – 5K Run
9:15 AM – 1-Mile Walk

Register Today!

Every Step Supports Local Veterans

This year's Stars & Strides event directly benefits two important Habitat programs:

Home #101, which will provide affordable homeownership opportunities for a veteran family in Geauga County
Critical home repairs for veterans throughout Lake and Geauga Counties

For many veterans, remaining safely in the homes they love can become difficult due to aging, disability, or unexpected repair costs. Lake-Geauga Habitat's Veterans Repair Program helps eliminate safety hazards, improve accessibility, and preserve independence so local heroes can continue living safely in their own homes.

Your Registration Helps Local Veterans Like Pete

Pete, a proud U.S. Navy veteran, has always taken great pride in caring for his home.

After repairing flood damage to the lower level of his bi-level house, he thought the difficult part was behind him. Instead, he discovered another serious concern. His aging sliding glass door and attached deck—his home's only secondary exit from the main living area—had begun to rot, creating a significant safety hazard.

Through Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Repair Program, Pete received a brand-new sliding door and a safe, sturdy replacement deck.

Today, Pete once again has peace of mind knowing he has a secure exit from his home. It's a simple repair that made a life-changing difference.

Stories like Pete's remind us that home is more than four walls—it's security, independence, and dignity.

Home #101: Building a Future for a Veteran Family

Stars & Strides 2026 will also help make Home #101 a reality.

This new Habitat home will provide an affordable path to homeownership for a deserving veteran family in Geauga County, giving them the opportunity to build stability, invest in their future, and create lasting memories.

Habitat homeowners partner with volunteers, complete sweat equity hours, and purchase their homes through an affordable mortgage, creating a foundation for long-term success.

Together, we're not just building a house—we're building hope.

Why Participate in Stars & Strides?

When you register, you're doing more than signing up for a race.

You're helping:

Build affordable homes for local families.
Support veterans with critical home repairs.
Strengthen neighborhoods throughout Lake and Geauga Counties.
Invest in safer, healthier communities.
Create opportunities that last for generations.

Whether you run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or cheer participants along the course, your support stays local and changes lives.

Join Us on September 12

Gather your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, or running club and join us for a fun morning dedicated to making a difference.

Together, we can help build Home #101, complete critical repairs for local veterans, and continue creating stronger communities throughout Lake and Geauga Counties.

Visit our Stars and Strides 5K event page for more information.

Are you a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, or know a veteran family interested in becoming the homeowner for Home #101?

We'd love to hear from you. Contact our Homeownership team at homeownership@lakegeaugahabitat.org to learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements or visit our homeownership page HERE.