By Carl Kanaskie, Lancaster Group
Out of a total of 285 registrants, 224 excited runners and hikers of all ages, left the starting gate when the Lancaster Group's 10th Anniversary 5K Trail Run/Hike got underway on January 18th -- despite the threat of inclement weather. The racers sprinted or walked, some with their dogs, through softly falling snow that coated the rolling 5K trail in scenic Lancaster County Central Park.
Yes, this is the unique 5K that encourages participants to bring their dogs on a leash. This year, fifty-eight canines accompanied their owners and got along famously with each other, the energized crowd, and the Group's towering and very approachable Polar Bear mascot.
Most of the top finishers in the race were from Lancaster County, but people from all around southeastern PA and adjacent states participated. A runner from Virginia, traveled the farthest to compete in this now well-established Lancaster County 5K.
Abundant milestone-year prizes, including ribbons and other memorabilia, were awarded to the topmost runners, as well as to the best finishers in numerous age categories. Special prizes were given to five individuals who competed during each year of the race's ten years. And even the dogs who came in fastest with their owners were celebrated with tokens of appreciation.
Helping to make this popular 5K possible, which is the Lancaster Group's top fundraiser, were some 60 enthusiastic volunteers. They come back year-after-year, bringing with them their expert professional, organizational, and people skills that guarantee a positive race-day experience for everyone involved.
Money raised by the 5K supports local efforts to end global warming, the reason polar bears and other creatures are at risk of extinction. More specifically, the funds help finance the Group's "green project" grant program, which has awarded grants of up to $500 to 44 Lancaster County organizations over the past four years. The money also supports the Group's ongoing free-to-the-public outdoor activities and educational programs.
For more information about the Polar Bear 5K and the Lancaster Group, please visit www.lancastersierraclub.org.
Carl J. Kanaskie is a longtime Sierra Club member who helps the Lancaster Group with writing, publicity and marketing.