The clock is ticking on registration for the highly-anticipated Bob Ross-themed virtual 5K taking place across Michigan in April.

Registration closes on Saturday, Feb. 29. The Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K originally had a cap of 1,000 registrants but that was bumped up to 25,000 after 20,000 people signed up for information back in October.

In this event by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, participants can walk, run or hike their 5K anywhere outdoors in Michigan from April 17-26, 2020. This race window encompasses two weekends plus Earth Day, April 22, and Arbor Day, April 24.

The entry fee is $34 per person, plus a 2 percent processing fee. About $10 from each registration will go toward planting “Happy Little Trees” at Michigan state parks. Registration is available online here. All proceeds from the race will support the DNR’s tree-planting program at state parks, including locations that have been hard-hit by tree pests and diseases.

The race honors celebrated American painter and TV host Bob Ross and benefits the DNR’s tree planting efforts. Ross shared his “happy little trees,” and love of painting and the environment with millions of viewers on “The Joy of Painting” TV show in the 1980s and 1990s. He was known for beautiful landscapes.

Every entrant will receive a Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. A caricature of Ross is featured in the race materials, including a power walking Ross holding a paint brush on the t-shirt, the classic Ross head-and-shoulders on the bib and Ross’ face on a paint palette for the medal. Every participant will receive all three. Ross’ face can also be seen on signs at Michigan’s state parks.

When posting about the event on social media, the DNR wants participants to use the hashtags #RunForTheTrees, #BobRoss, #HappyLittle5K and #MiStateParks.

The DNR is hosting free race meet ups for entrants to complete their 5K together. Participants will receive emails to RSVP to these events in February. Here’s what’s planned so far:

The DNR’s Happy Little Trees program, in partnership with Bob Ross Inc., helps state parks recover from invasive pests and diseases, including emerald ash borer and oak wilt, that threaten trees. It’s funded through the U.S. Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

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