The Lancaster Group of the Sierra Club invites runners and hikers to participate in the 15th annual Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, in Lancaster County Central Park. Participants may bring their dogs on a leash to run or walk with them in the 3.1-mile race. Race-day registration and check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park's Pavilion 22 (Kiwanis Lodge); walk-ins will be accepted.

Prizes and ribbons will be awarded. Recipients will include the overall top three male and female finishers; the first-, second-, and third-place winners in numerous age and gender categories; and the first three finishers of any age who race with their dogs. Special door and dog prizes will also be presented.

The 5K route will be the same as it was in 2025, winding through the park on well-maintained trails with some hills.

The deadline for advance online registration is Friday, Jan. 2, at noon. Packet pickup will be available from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at That Pet Place, 237 Centerville Road, Lancaster.

There is a fee. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Lancaster/SierraClubLancasterGroupPolarBear5KTrailRunHike.

All money raised by this event, the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group's major fundraiser, will support local efforts to ease climate change. Funds raised in the 2026 race will help finance the organization's green project grant program, which has awarded grants of up to $500 to 110 Lancaster County organizations over the past 10 years. The money will also help support the Lancaster Group's free outdoor activities and educational programs.

The Sierra Club is a national organization with each state having its own chapter. The Lancaster Group, one of 10 in the Pennsylvania Chapter, has approximately 1,500 members. For more information, email SierraClubEvent@gmail.com or visit https://lancastersierraclub.org or http://www.facebook.com/sierraclublancaster.