Get some exercise on Saturday, June 8, and you can help veterans and raise money for cancer research at the same time. The Columbia Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 will host its annual PA Hero Walk, stepping off from the rail trail at Columbia River Park, 41 Walnut St. Same-day registration will begin at 7 a.m., with walkers departing at 8 a.m.

Although the event is called a "walk," it's open to runners and bike riders as well, said Mike Mastriania, post commander. "If we get bikers, they will (head out) a few minutes early," he noted. "The route ends at the starting line at Columbia River Park."

At the request of walkers last year, the committee made a few changes to this year's event. "We are doing a 5-mile and a 14-mile walk," Mike said. "The 5-mile will go to Marietta, to the 2.5-mile marker, where there will be a table, and then will return back to Columbia. The 14-mile walkers will go to the Donegal Riverfront Park and turn around and walk back to Columbia. There will be a table at the turnaround."

New this year, proceeds from the walk will be split between the PA Hero Walk Foundation and the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute. "We have been doing this walk for several years, and all the proceeds went to veterans across the state, including York and Lancaster counties," Mike explained. The PA Hero Walk is a group of veterans that walks from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh every June to raise awareness for veterans' needs.

This year, the group decided to donate some of the funds to cancer research after both Mike and his wife, Karen, were diagnosed with cancer. "All but one of my committee members have or had cancer, so it hit home for us," Mike shared.

Following the walk, there will be social time at the Catholic War Veterans post, 250 N. Seventh St., Columbia, with finger foods for walkers. A chicken barbecue will also be available for pickup, with orders due by Monday, June 3. Full dinners will be available for one price, with leg-quarter-only options for a separate price. Any extra meals will be available to purchase on June 8 after 1 p.m.

For more information about the walk or to order chicken, call Donna at 717-951-9117.