Each year, on the fourth Sunday, the Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery host one of the most unique and spirited events in Portsmouth—the Tombstone Trot 5K. Far more than a traditional race, the Tombstone Trot blends history, fitness, and community in a way that celebrates one of the city’s most cherished landmarks: Greenlawn Cemetery. Runners, walkers, families, and history enthusiasts come together on race day to experience the grounds from a new perspective while supporting the preservation efforts of this historic resting place.
What makes the Tombstone Trot so memorable is its setting. Participants wind their way through the cemetery’s scenic paths, passing historic monuments, towering trees, and markers that tell the story of Portsmouth’s past. While the course is peaceful and beautiful, it also carries a sense of reverence—reminding every runner that Greenlawn Cemetery is not only a place of rest but a testament to generations of local heritage. Volunteers and members of the Friends of Greenlawn are stationed along the route, offering encouragement, sharing bits of history, and helping create a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and returning participants alike.
The event draws a wide crowd—seasoned 5K runners looking to try something different, families pushing strollers, students, local organizations, and community members committed to supporting the cemetery’s mission. Many participants embrace the theme by dressing in light Halloween-inspired costumes or Tombstone Trot T-shirts, adding a fun and festive spirit to the morning. After the race, attendees often stay to enjoy refreshments, take photos by some of the cemetery’s most iconic monuments, and learn more about ongoing preservation projects.
st importantly, the Tombstone Trot serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery Foundation. Every registration fee and sponsorship helps support restoration work, grounds maintenance, historical documentation, and public programming. Over the years, this event has become a meaningful way for the community to directly contribute to protecting one of Portsmouth’s most historic and culturally significant spaces.
Whether you’re a dedicated runner or simply someone who values local history, the Tombstone Trot 5K offers a memorable experience that blends fitness, fun, and purpose—making the fourth Sunday each year a day the community looks forward to celebrating together.
Information on the Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery
Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and enhancing the historic Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth, Ohio. Their mission centers on protecting the cemetery’s monuments, mausoleums, landscapes, and architectural features while making its rich local history accessible to the community. Through restoration projects, cemetery mapping, record digitization, and public programs like the living-history event The Story of Us, the Foundation works to honor the stories of those buried there and maintain Greenlawn as a peaceful, beautiful, and educational historic space for future generations.
Contact Info for Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery:
E-Mail:friendsofgreenlawncemeteryfnd@gmail.com
Address: Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery, PO Box 333, Portsmouth, OH 45662
Website: https://www.friendsofgreenlawncemeteryfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofgreenlawncemeteryfoundation
