by Betsy Meyer
Another fun, motivational event – that’s free and local is happening on Monday, Labor Day. Whether you attended the Memorial Day Free 5K and want to do it again (maybe see if you got faster) or have never done a 5K before, walk or run, this one is fun for all. Yes, it’s a holiday, and you could sleep late, but get up early, come out to the Gateway Wyndham in Gettysburg, and I can almost guarantee that you will be happy you did.
The excitement starts about 7:15 AM – maybe a little earlier on Monday, Labor Day in the parking lot of the Gateway Wyndham Hotel. I’m always amazed at how early folks show up for an 8:00 run, but I very much appreciate it. Although people register in advance for this race, you still must pick up your chip-timed bib and get it pinned on that morning. Getting bibs to 400 people in 40 minutes takes some wizardry, so come a bit early and then enjoy the buzz in the parking lot as people gather for the race.
While waiting for the event to start, you will be entertained with great tunes provided by our DJ, Jim Anderson of Tiger Entertainment, free restrooms compliments of the Gateway Wyndham, and pre-race encouragement from all the other participants. You’ll also have time to look at a map of the route and warm up for the 5K. The DJ and his music have elevated this event from fun to FUN. Jim approached me several years ago after he finished running the event and said: “I’m a DJ and I would be happy to DJ this event for you.” What a fantastic offer; it makes all the difference to have upbeat, motivational music play before, during, and after the event. He even changes up the tunes based on what’s happening on the course – see if you notice a few theme-appropriate songs.
The event starts with a few thanks to our sponsors who help make this all happen: the Gateway Wyndham and Tiger Entertainment as mentioned, Highmark Wholecare provides funds for the race timing, Hunterstown Power Generation covers the race medals and the food, Straban Township helps with course safety, the Adams County Planning Department helps with signage, and then many volunteers serve all over the course including several from The Gettysburg Beer Runners. Kathy Gaskin of Healthy Adams County then sings a heart-warming rendition of The National Anthem. And, they’re off. Last year, in addition to the 100s of people running and walking, we had at least 50 people spectating. I won’t tell you the roar of the crowd is like the Olympics, but there will be some encouragement along the way.
The course is protected by “course monitors” at every intersection and many turns. There are time callers at the 1-mile and 2-mile points to help encourage you and water at the 1.3 (and 1.6) mile points. There’s usually some encouragement coming from the water stand (operated by Lisa Wolkind) too. We have a lead bike rider, Steve Niebler, who will double back and check on everyone. Then it’s a bit downhill to the finish line, where everyone crosses under a festive yellow and blue arch and receives a finisher’s medal with music playing and fans cheering. There’s plenty of fruit and salty snacks at the finish line to replenish you to go cheer for the remaining runners and walkers. You will feel accomplished and great, and it’ll only be 9:00 AM; still time to enjoy all of Labor Day. Hope to see you there.
Betsy Meyer is Chair of Healthy Adams County’s Physical Fitness Task Force