Ghoul Runnings Kayak Adventures awarded H2Ohio grant to enhance river cleanup efforts
Volunteers needed for last river clean up of the year on September 14
Ghoul Runnings Kayak Adventures, a family-owned kayak livery founded by Fremont native Beth Turner, was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ H2Ohio initiative. The grant, received in August 2024, supports the development of river cleanup efforts along the Sandusky River, providing essential supplies, advertising, safety gear, and tools. These resources ensure the success of multiple river cleanup events planned through 2025.
Beth Turner, who founded Ghoul Runnings in 2021, has long had a passion for water activities and community engagement, inspired by her family’s 25-year legacy of operating the Portage Trail Canoe Livery and Broken Paddle Campgrounds. Beth’s love for paddling and dedication to revitalizing the area led her to transform an abandoned building near the Fremont Reservoir into Ghoul Runnings Kayak Adventures.
Ghoul Runnings isn’t just about kayaking—it’s about creating fun, memorable experiences for the entire community. From serene sunset paddles to thrilling river trips, team-building events, and bonfires, Beth and her crew offer a wide range of outdoor adventures for individuals, groups, and families.
This past summer, Ghoul Runnings collaborated with the Sandusky River Watershed Coalition to host successful river cleanups, including a Clean Sweep event in June and their first official H2Ohio River Clean Sweep on September 2. During the Labor Day cleanup, over 400 pounds of trash were removed from the Sandusky River, covering areas from the Tindall Bridge to the old Ballville Dam and from Old Fort south toward Tiffin.
“The health of the Sandusky River is vital to our community,” said Turner. “This grant will allow us to expand our cleanup efforts and engage more people in preserving our natural waterways.”
The next river cleanup will take place on Saturday, September 14. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate and can register online at www.SanduskyRiver.org. Participants have two meeting location options: Ghoul Runnings Kayak Adventures (1773 S. River Rd, Fremont) at 8:00 AM for a shuttle to Tiffin or 600 Riverside Dr, Tiffin, at 8:30 AM. The cleanup event runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and supplies, snacks, and kayaks will be provided.
Ghoul Runnings offers more than 100 watercraft options, including kayaks, rubber adventure rafts, and paddle boats. The business operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, with group bookings available on weekdays.
For more information, visit www.ghoulrunnings.com or follow Ghoul Runnings Kayak Adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce exists to enable community businesses and organizations in enhancing their success, serve as a source of information, and advocate for members and economic growth in the area through their four main points of education, promotion, relationships, and resources and savings.
For those interested in learning more about how the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce can assist their organization, they can visit www.SenecaRegionalChamber.com or call the office at 419-447-4141.