Folks who want to be guaranteed to receive an event T-shirt must register for Solid Rock Youth Ministries' second annual rail trail 5K race before Monday, July 8. After that date, T-shirts will be available as supplies last.
This year's event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 8:30 a.m. It will again take place on the Enola Low Grade Trail, which was converted from a railroad to a level, well-groomed path for runners and walkers. "The reason for having the race at the trail rather than (on) the road was to keep it kid-friendly," said race director Mary Price.
The event is a fundraiser for Solid Rock, which operates a youth center at 34 E. State St., Quarryville. The organization provides after-school and summer programs for students in kindergarten through grade nine free of charge. Solid Rock's mission is "to earn trust through authentic relationships so that lives can be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Price shared. Last year's race attracted 178 participants and raised more than $7,000.
"The first race went way better than I could have imagined," Price commented. "It far exceeded my expectations. It was incredible to see all of the ways God's hand was in it and how faithful He was through the process."
Based on last year's turnout, the organizers are anticipating a higher number of registrants this year. To keep the event comfortable, participation has been capped at 300. "Otherwise, it would be too crowded," Price explained.
Price noted that the organizers received feedback from last year's participants, and they have strived to make all of the suggested improvements, which even include additional trash cans after the water station.
Pretzel City Sports will time the event this year. The winners will be split into age groups with medals for the first-place overall male and female finishers and the age-group winners; last year, prizes were awarded to only the top three overall male and female finishers.
The half-mile race for youths age 12 and under will take place at 10 a.m. and will also be updated. "We wanted to make the kids' fun run more fun, so we will have bubbles, cookies, and even a special guest," Price related. Finishers will receive a goodie bag and medals. Fun run entrants will not receive a T-shirt.
Additionally, the 5K race and fun run will start at a different spot. The trailhead at 301 E. State St., Quarryville, is larger and offers more parking than the one used last year, Price said.
The fundraising goal for the upcoming 5K is $15,000. Participants may seek sponsors to help Solid Rock reach its goal.
Costs have been set to participate in the 5K and the fun run, with a discount for folks who register in teams of five or more. Online registration will close at midnight on Wednesday, July 31. Full price will be charged for 5K and fun run registration on Aug. 3. No team registration will be available at the event. To register, sponsor participants, or obtain more information, readers may visit http://www.solidrockquarryville.com/run. Those with questions may call Solid Rock at 717-786-8007.
Folks who would like to learn more about Solid Rock's programs, including the art, cooking, and social programs offered this summer, may visit http://www.solidrockquarryville.com/summer-programs. Josh Rotz is the new program director and may be reached at 717-803-0355 or solidrockyouthmin@gmail.com.
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