When Aaron Stoltzfus, one of the organizers of the initial White Horse Gallop and Community Day in 2023, was asked about the success of the event, he said the good weather was a factor. "I thought it went well," reported Stoltzfus, who noted that 193 runners - twice as many as organizers hoped for - had taken part.

This year, organizers have added a 10K and a number of new activities to the event. The second White Horse Gallop will be held on Saturday, May 25. Registration at the fire station, 111 White Horse Road, Gap, will open at 7 a.m. The 10K will begin at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K race will start at 8:30 a.m.

In addition to the races, a state police officer and a doctor from Lancaster General Hospital will be on site. The White Horse EMS Team will offer attendees the opportunity to learn and practice CPR during the event. Organizers plan to have the smoke trailer, a bounce house, and a mechanical bull ride, as well, and fire trucks will be available for a "touch-a-truck" and demonstrations. The event will also include a visit from the Life Lion helicopter from Hershey Medical Center if weather permits. A candy drop from a ladder truck is scheduled at noon.

Organizers have added an extra loop to the 5K course to create a 10K route. As in the past, runners will leave the fire company and travel south on Route 897 and return via Route 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike). Both Route 340 and Route 897 will be closed during the run. Hills will be featured on School Lane Road during the second mile of the run.

The run will be timed by Pretzel City Sports, and those wishing to participate may register at 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.

Prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female runners and to the top three males and females in nine age groups, which will be 9 and under, 10 to 14, 15 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 Legacy Plumbing.

Food at the event will include breakfast sandwiches, lunch items, and ice cream by donation. Breakfast sandwiches will be served from 7 to 10 a.m., and lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Funds raised by the races will help the fire company purchase a single-story portable fire training structure. "It will be used to train new firefighters and hone the skills of experienced volunteers," said Stoltzfus, who noted that the structure helps train firefighters to ventilate roofs and to gain entry and search a building.

Stoltzfus said he hopes to see even more runners take part and community members come out to enjoy the event. "Last year, the people came out and you could feel that the community members were happy to be there," he said. "All that made for a good day."

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.