By Carl Kanaskie, Member, Lancaster Group
Runners and hikers are invited to participate in the Lancaster Group’s 15th Polar Bear 5K (3.1 miles) Trail Run/Hike, Bring the Dog, at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, in scenic Lancaster County Central Park. Participants may bring their dogs (on a leash) to run or walk with them in the race.
This 5K fun run awards numerous unique prizes and colorful ribbons. Recipients include the overall top three male and female finishers, the first, second, and third place winners in multiple age and gender categories, and the first three finishers (any age group) who race with their dogs. Special door and dog prizes are also awarded!
The 5K route will be the same as last January, winding through the park on well-maintained trails with some hills. Race day registration and check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park’s Pavilion 22 (Kiwanis Lodge).
Registration is now open. Fees are as follows: $30 from now through Thursday, December 25. After December 25, all registrations, including race day walk-ins, will be $35. The deadline for online registration is Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at noon. For complete information and registration forms, click here, visit the group website here, reach out through email here, or "Like" us on Facebook. All money raised by this event (the Lancaster Group’s major fundraiser) supports local efforts to address climate change- the reason why polar bears and other creatures are at risk of extinction. Funds raised in the 2026 race will help finance the Group's popular "Green Project" grant program, which has awarded grants of up to $500 to 110 Lancaster County organizations over the past ten years. The money will also help support the Group's free-to-the-public outdoor activities and educational programs.
This blog was included as part of the December 2025 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!