5K moves to Leola

Back in 2018, a nurse on staff at the Clinic for Special Children, then located in Strasburg, suggested a 5K fundraiser. "Keturah Beiler, who was a runner, really spearheaded the effort to get the 5K started," recalled Kelly Cullen, marketing and communications manager for the Clinic for Special Children. The 5K became an annual event, and was even held virtually in 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult to hold in person.

In 2024, the 5K, which was traditionally held in September, was canceled as the clinic settled into its new home at 20 Community Lane, Gordonville.

For 2025, the fundraiser is back, but with a number of differences. "We changed the season," noted Cullen, who added that the run has moved from September to May. The venue is also changing from the site of the former clinic in Strasburg to the Leola Produce Auction, where the clinic has held its annual auction each June for a number of years. While the route for the 5K, which will be closed to traffic, will be different, Cullen noted that the course will exhibit much of the same kind of charm for which the original route was known. "Our old route was out and back, but this is a 3.1-mile loop," said Cullen, who added, "It will have similar scenery. It passes an Amish schoolhouse and farms. We are keeping the same ambiance," she said of the course, which she noted has "rolling hills."

"It's right in the heart of Farmersville, Leola, Brownstown," said Renny Magill, development director with the clinic.

The seventh annual Clinic for Special Children 5K will be held on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Leola Produce Auction, 135 Brethren Church Road, Leola. Those wishing to participate may register at http://www.ClinicforSpecialChildrenorg/events/5k. Paper registrations may be picked up at the clinic. Registration on-site on the day of the event will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Packet pickup will begin at 7:30 a.m. as well.

The race will be chip timed, and is open to runners, joggers, and walkers. Medals will be awarded to the first overall male and female finishers. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: age 14 and under, ages 15 to 19, ages 20 to 29, ages 30 to 39, ages 40 to 49, ages 50 to 59, ages 60 to 69, and age 70 and up.

A Kid's Color Fun Run will be held following the 5K. There is a cost to take part in the short run, which is open to children age 10 and under. "They wear white shirts, and color is thrown (on the runners)," said Cullen. "They get a little treat in the end," she added, noting that about 30 runners have participated in the kids' run in the past but that she anticipates more this year.

Indeed, according to Magill, the 2025 event has seen increases in participation in a number of areas. "We are really excited," he noted. "We are up about 40% in sponsorships this year. We see that as an affirmation of the change in venue." Magill added that companies that have supported the run in the past, such as presenting sponsor Nemours Children's Health, are helping fund the run this year and that new sponsors have stepped up.

Cullen added that the number of runners who have registered is up as well, leading organizers to project that more than 400 runners may take part this year.

All funds raised by the event will go to the mission of the clinic, which is to "serve children and adults who suffer from genetic and other complex medical disorders by providing comprehensive medical, laboratory, and consultative services, and by increasing and disseminating knowledge of science and medicine."

"Generally funds go to help keep patient costs affordable," noted Magill.