HARTZ Physical Therapy will host the 20th annual Fall Blast 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 7. This is the 20th anniversary of the Fall Blast 5K and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Gigi's Playhouse Lancaster. The family-friendly event will feature a 3.1-mile run/walk and a children's run, where youngsters will be doused with color. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the John R. Bonfield Elementary School, 101 N. Oak St., Lititz.

Alisha Fitzwater, Gigi's board member and volunteer, noted that the GiGi's Playhouse is also noting its 20th anniversary this year, and that the event is being held in October, which is Down Syndrome Acceptance Month.

Fitzwater reported that over the past 3.5 years, GiGi's Playhouse has grown and tripled the number of free program hours it provides to about 400 participants and their families. The funds from the HARTZ PT Fall Blast 5K will go toward providing free programming in a new GiGiFIT Gym, so participants can work on improving their fitness, strength, mobility, endurance and nutrition.

To learn more about the Fall Blast 5K or to preregister, visit http://www.hartzpt.com/community/fall-blast-5k.