The seventh annual Hummelstown Hunger Run/Walk, featuring a 5K run and walk and a 5-mile run, is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 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.

The 5-mile run was added to the event for the first time in 2021 and proved to be popular for runners. "We had a good turnout for the 5-mile run, and we got some new participants because of that, so we are keeping that again this year," said who runs the event along with her husband, BJ.

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.

Runners and walkers with dogs on leashes and children in strollers are welcome to participate. "We actually have a prize for the first-place strollers in each of the running categories and a prize for the first-place dog in the 5K and the 5-mile run," said Jill.

Chick's Tavern and Rubber Soul Brewing Co. will provide free lunch, which will include pulled pork sandwiches, chips and a cookie, and Sweet Dawgs Soft Serve Frozen Desserts will hand out frozen yogurt to participants and volunteers.

Those who take part in the 5K and 5-mile events will primarily follow the same course, but the 5-mile runners will divert off the main course for the additional distance. Volunteer fire police from Hummelstown Fire Company will be on hand to guide participants at the major intersections along the race course. Spectators are also welcome to cheer on the participants.

Runners, walkers and volunteers who bring a nonperishable food item for the pantry will be entered into a random drawing for one of many gift certificates provided by local sponsors. "We have over $2,300 worth of prizes already for our drawing," Jill noted. Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants, a gift bag from AAA Central Penn with a one-year membership and two certificates for a one-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hershey (Harrisburg Area).

"Last year, we raised $30,000," Jill reported, noting that the event has generated more than $123,000 for the Hummelstown Food Pantry since its inception in 2015.

"My husband and I created this to raise money for the pantry," Jill noted. "It has grown in numbers each year. The first year we had less than 150 people. In 2021, we had 270 participants."

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

Information about the Hummelstown Food Pantry and the services it provides can be found at http://www.hummelstownfoodpantry.org.