The sixth annual Hummelstown Hunger Run/Walk, featuring a 5K run and walk, as well as a newly added 5-mile run, is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, at Schaffner Park, located at the corner of Poplar Avenue and Water Street in Hummelstown. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hummelstown Food Pantry.

Race-day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The 5K and 5-mile runs will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by the start of the 5K walk. The first- through third-place male and female runners will receive cash prizes and medals; medals will also be provided for the first- and second-place male and female runners in each age group. Registrants and volunteers will receive a gift bag.

Because of the pandemic, there will be some changes to this year's fundraiser. At past events, registrants and volunteers who brought a nonperishable food item for the pantry were entered into a random drawing for one of many gift certificates provided by local sponsors. "Due to COVID protocols this year, we will draw (winners of) the gift certificates from participants and volunteers that preregister and include their prize in their race bag," explained Jill Osevala, who runs the event along with her husband, BJ.

However, attendees are still asked to bring nonperishable food items on race day for donation to the pantry.

Since the course is located on neighborhood streets, volunteer fire police from Hummelstown Fire Company will be on hand to guide participants at the major intersections. "We have volunteers all over the course that help with traffic control as well," noted Osevala. "We let everyone know before the race that the course is not closed and to be aware of traffic."

Those who take part in the 5K and 5-mile runs will follow the same course, but the 5-mile runners will divert off the main course for the additional distance.

Runners and walkers with dogs on leashes and children in strollers are welcome to participate. "We actually have a prize for the first person who crosses the finish line with a stroller and (one) with a leashed dog," said Osevala.

Spectators are also welcome, but they must practice social distancing.

The event has generated more than $93,000 for the Hummelstown Food Pantry since its inception in 2015. "My husband and I created this to raise money for the pantry," Osevala noted. "It has grown in numbers each year. The first year we had less than 150 people. In 2019, we had about 270 participants and 150 volunteers."

"The participants' fees and sponsor donations cover the cost of putting on the race so 100% (of the proceeds) go to the pantry," Osevala added. "Hopefully, we will have a (good) turnout because people will be happy to get out and excited to compete or walk and to support a good cause."

For more information and to register, to sign up for a volunteer spot or to review COVID protocols, visit http://www.htownhungerrun.wixsite.com/hummelstown5k. More information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/htownhungerrun.