You might think of taking Mom out for brunch to celebrate Mother's Day, but the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown has a different way to show your love. The ninth annual Mother's Day Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 12, at Masonic Village, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown.

Packet pickup and race-day registration will open at 1:30 p.m., and the race will step off at 3 p.m. The race will begin at the Veterans Grove. Once on the Masonic Village property, race participants should follow signs for parking.

People are encouraged to walk or run with their mom, participate in honor of their mother or compete to take home a trophy to present to their mom. "We just want to celebrate moms on their special day," said Dan Brill, race co-chair. "We try really hard to stay on a strict timeframe, so people still have plenty of time for dinner with Mom. We're usually done no later than 4:15."

Prizes will be awarded for the top overall male and female finishers as well as the top three male and female finishers in seven age brackets: age 14 and under, ages 15 to 19, ages 20 to 29, ages 30 to 39, ages 40 to 49, ages 50 to 59 and age 60 and older. All mothers will receive a flower in honor of Mother's Day.

"We also have some great door prizes to give out in addition to our awards," Brill noted, adding that the event will feature music and snacks as well.

Race T-shirts will be available while supplies last. "We want to give a huge thank you to our generous business sponsors who are listed on our shirts," he said. "And one to mention is Masonic Village for the use of their beautiful grounds." The 5K course will trace a loop through the picturesque retirement community property.

Even though it's a timed race, the event features a casual, fun atmosphere, Brill said. Walkers are encouraged to participate, and the event is perfect for people of all ages.

Proceeds from the race will be used for various projects of the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown. With a motto of "Service Above Self," the group supports a variety of community organizations and efforts throughout northwestern Lancaster County, including projects to benefit students in the Elizabethtown Area School District and GEARS. The club will mark its 100th anniversary in 2025. The service organization holds other major fundraisers throughout the year, including the Taste of Western Lancaster County with Elizabethtown Public Library, so the race event is mostly just an opportunity for community members to have fun together.

The 5K is a family-friendly event that offers an opportunity to bond with Mom on Mother's Day, Brill said. "Bring the kids and grandkids. It's always a fun time," he said. "What a healthy way to celebrate Mom on her day."

For more information on the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown's Mother's Day RunWalk, visit http://www.elizabethtownrotary.org and click on "Fundraising Events." Although race-day registration will be available, preregistration is encouraged. Online registration will close at midnight on Friday, May 3.