For 2019, the Manheim Township High School (MTHS) cross-country team's booster club has decided to make a few changes to the annual 5K/Ugly Sweater Run. "We want to make it more community and family focused this year," said assistant junior high coach, booster club member, and race organizer Michael Phillips. "We plan to have hot chocolate and cider and hot soup afterward for participants," he added, noting that a disc jockey will play Christmas music and an award will be given to the runner wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater.
This year's fundraiser 5K race will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 10 a.m. at Landis Run Intermediate School, 25 Blue Streak Blvd., Lancaster. A 1-mile fun run for youths will be held at 10:45 a.m. There are fees to take part in the 5K and the fun run. Awards for 5K participants will be presented at 11 a.m.
According to Phillips, there will be changes in this year's route. "This will be a brand new course at Landis Run Intermediate School designated just for the Ugly Sweater Run," said Phillips, who added that the run will start and finish at the school. The course will be entirely on grass and dirt, making it a true cross-country course. "It's a rolling course," said Phillips, who added that the course is appropriate for beginning runners. "It will be well marked," he said.
In the spirit of making the run a family event, Phillips noted that those wishing to cheer on a friend or loved one traversing the course will have that opportunity. "We have made it more spectator friendly, so there will be multiple times you can see the 5K and one-mile runners from one particular spot," he said
The race, which will be professionally chip timed by Pretzel City Sports, is open to individuals from all over the county and beyond, and cash prizes will be awarded to top overall male and female winners. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female runners in each of seven age groups. A walker division will also be available.
The team will again help a nonprofit organization as part of the 5K. This year, Power Packs Project will be the recipient. "We want to support a community organization that helps local people," explained Phillips. "We will have a protein drive." A collection box will be available at this year's race for those who would like to donate canned goods such as chicken and tuna or peanut butter.
Last year, 115 runners took part in the race, which raised $5,000. Phillips hopes to top 200 runners and raise another $5,000. The booster club has had a long-term goal of raising money for a timing system for the high school meets, and Phillips believes that a successful Ugly Sweater Run this year will make that dream come true. Funds raised are also used to purchase T-shirts, hold preseason team-building outings, honor senior runners, host the end-of-the-year banquet, and bring in motivational speakers. "There are so many ways we can support the athletes," said Phillips. "They're a great group of (students)."
Registration information is available at http://www.lancastercountyxc5k.com or at http://www.pretzelcitysports.com. Online registration will close at midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Registration on the day of the event will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Leave a Review