The New Holland Farmer's 5K is nearly two decades old. "This is the 18th," said Traci Tempone, Garden Spot High School (GSHS) cross-country team coach. The run, which has always raised funds for the GSHS cross-country booster club, is known for offering a "flat and fast" course in the area south of New Holland.

The 2023 Farmer's 5K will be held on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the New Holland Community Memorial Park, in the 400 block of Jackson Street. Registration and packet pickup that day will begin at 7 a.m. Registration will conclude at 8:15 a.m. A free Kids Half-Mile Fun Run for children age 12 and under will be held following the 5K. Each participating child will receive a medal. Parents are encouraged to run with their children.

The 5K route will follow Jackson Street east to Ranck Road, where it will turn right. Participants will turn right again at Airport Road and again at Windsock Way before picking up Runway Avenue and returning to Airport Road. Runners will once again turn right to follow Kinzer Avenue north, which will take them back to a right on Jackson to the park.

Cash prizes are awarded to the first three overall male and female winners, with the top prize being $100. Course records are 15 minutes, 28 seconds for men, set in 2017 by Zach Miller, and 18:12 for women, set in 2012 by Aimee Taylor. In addition, the top male and female runners in eight age groups will receive awards. Traditionally, glass milk bottles have been given to age group winners.

In the past, the run has attracted about 100 runners and raised about $2,000 for the booster club, and Tempone hopes to see at least that many runners take part in this year's event. Club representative Philip Watt said that the organization purchases warmup gear for incoming freshmen, but that the funds are also used to provide activities for the whole team. "We go away to a cross country camp in the summer for four days," said Watt. "This (race) really helps to support that."

Runners who would like to take part in the race may register at http://www.active.com by searching for "Farmer's 5K." Those who register prior to Saturday, April 1, will receive a discount and a free T-shirt. Runners may also register at the park on the morning of the event. More information about the race may be found at https://sites.google.com/view/gsxc/farmers-5k.