The eighth annual Hummelstown Hunger Run/Walk, featuring a 5K run and walk and a 5-mile run, is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, at Schaffner Park, located at the corner of Poplar Avenue and Water Street in Hummelstown. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hummelstown Food Pantry.

Race-day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The 5K and 5-mile runs will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by the start of the 5K walk.

The first- through third-place overall male and female runners in each distance will receive cash prizes and medals; medals will also be provided for the first- and second-place male and female runners in each age group. All registrants and volunteers will receive a gift bag. "The age group winners also get to choose something from the prize table," said Jill Osevala, who runs the event along with her husband, BJ.

Runners and walkers with dogs on leashes and children in strollers are welcome to participate. "We actually have a prize for the first-place strollers in each of the running categories and a prize for the first-place dog in the 5K and the 5-mile run," said Jill.

Chick's Tavern and Rubber Soul Brewing Co. will provide free lunch, which will include pulled pork sandwiches and chips. Sweet Dawgs Frozen Desserts will hand out free sweet treats to participants and volunteers.

Since the race takes place along the streets of Hummelstown, volunteer fire police from Hummelstown Fire Department will be on hand to provide assistance. "The roads are not closed, but the fire police stop the cars so (the runners and walkers) can go through the major intersections," said Jill, noting that spectators are welcome to encourage the participants. "It would be nice if people in town would come out and cheer the people on."

Runners, walkers and volunteers who bring a nonperishable food item for the pantry will be entered into a random drawing for one of many gift certificates provided by local sponsors. "We have over $2,100 worth of prizes already for our drawing," Jill noted. Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants, a one-year membership to AAA Central Penn and two certificates for a one-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hershey (Harrisburg Area).

"Last year, we raised over $31,000," Jill reported, noting that the event has generated more than $155,000 for the Hummelstown Food Pantry since its inception in 2015. "They are helping 90 families every week, and it's (volunteer-run). That's why we were so drawn to do this. It's 100% for the pantry."

Jill noted that the Hunger Run has grown in numbers each year. The first year there were fewer than 150 participants. "Last year we had 330 (participants) - the most we have ever had. We are hoping to exceed that this year," Jill said.

For more information and to register or to sign up for a volunteer spot, visit http://www.htownhungerrun.wixsite.com/hummelstown5k. More information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/htownhungerrun.

Information about the Hummelstown Food Pantry can be found at http://www.hummelstownfoodpantry.org.