Hempfield recCenter will partner with the local chapter of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) to offer the first Run for the Rescues 5K on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Amos Herr Park, 1700 Nissley Road, Landisville. The fundraiser will include a 5K race, a 1-mile walk and a costume contest, and proceeds will benefit the rec center's community outreach programs and PSPCA Lancaster's efforts to combat animal cruelty throughout the county.

The event will begin at 8 a.m., and same-day registration will be offered in addition to online preregistration until Sunday, Oct. 20. Same-day registrants must pay by cash or check. To sign up online, visit https://tinyurl.com/runforrescues.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and to bring their furry friends to the fundraiser. Prizes will be given out for best dog costume and best owner and dog costume combination. Refreshments will be available to purchase from food trucks on-site, and PSPCA Lancaster will set up water stations throughout the park.

The 1-mile walk will offer a more leisurely alternative to the 5K race, and the walk is open to families, pets and children of all ages. Children age 5 and under may enter for free, and kids ages six to 12 will receive a discounted registration fee.

Half of the event's proceeds will benefit the rec center's Everyone Belongs campaign. The program offers financial assistance to community members who are unable to pay the full cost of wellness activities and fitness classes held at Hempfield recCenter. The remaining half of the funds raised by the event will support PSPCA Lancaster's many services, including spay and neuter services, low-cost pet vaccination clinics and animal rescue initiatives. In addition to its roster of services, the organization also operates an animal shelter in downtown Lancaster city.

The partnership between Hempfield recCenter and PSPCA Lancaster began after Emily Taylor, the rec center's fitness and wellness director, started researching potential benefactors for another 5K event. Prompted by her love for animals, Taylor contacted PSPCA Lancaster to organize a joint fundraiser. "I have two dogs of my own, and one is a rescue. It's a cause that is near and dear to my heart," said Taylor. "Shelters are overrun with animals right now. Community support can help (PSPCA Lancaster) provide them with better lives, because they deserve it too."

For more information about PSPCA Lancaster, visit http://www.pspca.org/lancaster.