By Angie Frazier | HCLA Class of 2020
Hamilton County has a wealth of trail systems and our fine folks sure know how to highlight them! One great example is an event hosted by the City of Westfield. The Westfield Welcome (WW) department recently hosted their 9th annual Melt the Trail 5k walk/run on a beautiful chilly and sunny morning. In the first six years, the 5k course was set exclusively on the Grand Park Sports Campus trail system, offering participants a 400-acre view of first-class sports fields. The WW team also hosts a Grand Run on Memorial Day each year, so they brainstormed to offer a new experience for Melt the Trail participants.
In February of 2020, the WW team moved the course outside of the park, to better highlight the Monon Trail through Westfield and to offer an exciting experience in pre/post-race activities at Grand Junction Brewing Company Taproom. This new experience was most favorable!
On February 25th, 2023, runners, walkers, city staff, supporters, friends, vendors, sponsors, children and furry family members connected and celebrated in the warm taproom space. From there, the participants made their way to the Monon Trail for an out-and-back course that twice crosses the State Road 32 Monon Bridge. Over 380 Melt the Trail finishers received a long sleeve race shirt, a finishers medal, post-race snacks and drinks, and a few walked away with awards! More importantly, all who attended were awarded with a healthy morning of community engagement and miles of smiles.
Find out more about the Melt the Trail and other Westfield Welcome events here. Interested in learning about the hiking and biking trail systems in Hamilton County? Go to the Hamilton County Hiking and Biking Trail Guides at visithamiltoncounty.com.
ABOUT HAMILTON CONNECTION
Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) and Invest Hamilton County have launched a new community ambassador program. The partnership, called HAMILTON CONNECTION will highlight personal stories of HCLA alumni and allow those Connectors to help personalize the things that make Hamilton County a great place to live, work, learn and thrive. Meet the Hamilton Connectors HERE.
