Lis Martin, race director of the second Salisbury Elementary PTC (Parent Teacher Committee) 5K event, is happy with the results of the first 5K Run/Walk the organization hosted in 2022. "We did really well for the first one," said Martin, who was inspired to suggest the event after participating in a 5K held by a nearby private school.

The 2023 Salisbury Elementary PTC 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids Run will be held at Salisbury Elementary School, 422 School Lane, Gap, on Saturday, April 22. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and the Kids Run will begin at approximately 9 a.m. Registration and packet pickup on the day of the event will begin at 6:45 a.m. "We are stressing that it's a run/walk," said Martin, adding "We would like to see more walkers."

The race will use the same course as last year, which features gently rolling hills on lightly traveled roads. The route will turn left from the school parking lot and travel School Lane, Cains Road, Route 897, and Buena Vista Road, before returning to the school. The course record is 19 minutes and 44 seconds. The Kids Run course will take the children out a half-mile before turning back to the school.

Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in eight age groups. All Kids Run participants will receive medals.

Organizers are seeking gold and silver sponsors for the event. Sponsorship packages include logos on race T-shirts and yard signs. Current sponsors include David Auto and Capital Heating and Air Conditioning, along with Doutrich Homes, Triple Painting, and Null's Towing. Gift cards have been donated by Twin Valley Coffee, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, the Crayola Experience, the Turkey Hill Experience, the Reading Phillies, the Lancaster Science Factory, and Sight & Sound Theatres, but more are being sought. Each classroom at Salisbury has been assigned a theme to create baskets for the event.

The 2022 run attracted more than 100 runners and raised about $4,000 for assemblies and field trips. "It's a community event," said organizer Nate Busnell. "We are hoping to get more area runners (to take part)."

The run/walk is being timed by Pretzel City Sports, and readers may register at http://www.pretzelcitysports.com/calendar_events.