According to Bob Buzzard of the White Horse Fire Company, the idea for the first White Horse Gallop 5K and Community Day came from volunteer Aaron Stoltzfus. "(Stoltzfus) thought it would be something to bring the community together," recalled Buzzard of the origins of the event.

The White Horse Gallop will be held on Saturday, May 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the fire station, 111 White Horse Road, Gap. Registration on the day of the event will open at 7 a.m.

Organizers have planned a course that will leave the fire company and travel south on Route 897 until reaching Buena Vista Road, where it will turn right. From there, the route will turn right on to School Lane Road and travel back to Route 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike), where it will turn right and return to the station. Both Route 340 and Route 897 will be closed during the run. Hills are featured on School Lane Road during the second mile of the run.

Prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female runners and to the top three males and females in eight age groups, which will be 13 and under, 14 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and above. Awards will be crafted by local farrier and blacksmith Eli Stoltzfus, who owns Lanchester Farrier Services.

Water for runners who take part in the 5K will be provided by JM Lapp Plumbing.

The event will also include a a visit from the Well Flight 490 helicopter if weather permits, and fire trucks will be available for a "touch-a-truck" and demonstrations.

Breakfast sandwiches will be offered by donation, as will pork sandwiches from Honey Brook Barbecue.

The event will be timed by Pretzel City Sports, and those wishing to participate may download a form from http://www.pretzelcitysports.com. Registration forms may also be picked up at the fire company and at local businesses. Each participant will receive a swag bag, and T-shirts will be available while supplies last.

Buzzard said that the organization hopes to see 100 runners take part in the fire company's first 5K. All funds raised will help the fire company to purchase needed supplies.

Sponsorships are available for the event. Individuals who would like to be sponsors or who have questions may email racedirector49@gmail.com or call 717-725-0557.