Annual Fundraiser 5K Scheduled

Many avid runners appreciate autumn for its crisp, bright days when heading out for a few miles is more comfortable than during the summer months. Many who enjoy a good walk in the outdoors feel the same way. Recognizing this fact, organizers of the annual Intercourse Library 5K Run/Walk have moved the event to a later fall date for runners to take to the bucolic countryside surrounding the popular tourist destination.

According to Intercourse Library board member Michele Lichty, the event has become an important annual fundraiser for the library. "The 5K is just one way the library raises funds for the important programs offered (there)," said Lichty.

The 2025 run will begin at the library, 31 Center St., Intercourse, on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. Packet pickup and race-day registration will be held from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. The event will once again be timed by Every Mountain Outdoors and RunPA. The course, which travels through scenic farmland, offers some rolling hills, but it is generally considered mostly flat and fast. Refreshments will be available to participants following the race.

Awards will be presented to the overall top male and female runners, as well as the three top males and females in seven age groups, which are 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and up.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Intercourse Library. In 2024, race registrations and sponsorships raised $5,000 for general library programming. This year, organizers hope to raise $7,500. "The library depends on the 5K as just one fundraiser to provide needed funds to continue the mission of the library," shared Lichty.

Over the last year, the Intercourse Library has been celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of events including a historical display, movie showings, and a number of presentations by local authors and artists. A golden Jubilee was held on Oct. 4.

Readers who would like to run or walk in the 5K may register to do so through a link at https://intercourselib.org. Registration forms for the rain or shine event may also be picked up at the library.

The Intercourse Library and the Gap Branch are part of the Library System of Lancaster County. Together, they serve Leacock, Paradise, and Salisbury Townships.