By Chad Hershberger
Several times a year, we have events at camp that bring people here that otherwise probably wouldn’t visit camp. One of those events is coming up at the end of this month. We will be hosting a benefit 5- and 10- kilometer trail run race, “The Dandelion Run,” on Saturday, August 31, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m.
For those who are not runners, this is an entry-level trail race. That means that you are not running on asphalt but are running on mountain trails, the trails at Camp Mount Luther!
A 5k race may seem like a lot, but I’ve done the Dandelion Run a few times and it’s not so bad, even if you don’t run often. I enjoyed seeing camp from new perspectives and challenging myself in this physical competition. If you don’t think you can do that, there is also a one-mile fun run from the Evergreen Center to the pond. And there is also a Kids Fun Run! Special awards will be presented to every participant in the fun run.
The Dandelion Run started in 2002 when the family of Rev. Glenn E. Heasley, Jr., asked about doing a trail run to benefit the camp. Glenn was the former Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. He retired from that post in October 2001 and the following month, he died unexpectedly. His son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Shelley, were runners and wanted to do something in Glenn’s memory. He was heavily involved in Mount Luther, serving on the camp board during his time as assistant to the bishop. In fact, he was on the search committee that recommended me to the board to be executive director. His wife, Shirley, also helps with the race.
The family decided to name the race the Dandelion Run because that was Glenn’s favorite flower. He said that no matter what you do with dandelions, they always rise again!
I enjoy coming to the run and watching the runners in action. They have runners of all ages, even a few that are in their 80s! Runners are a special breed of people, and their kindness and generosity is evident every year!
If you would like more information or would like to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mifflinburg/DandelionRun5k10kTrailRace. The fee is $35. You must be registered by midnight, August 11, to receive a hoodie. There will be an awards ceremony following the races.
And, if you enjoy this experience, considering coming back the first Saturday in April when they have the Night Flight Run. It is the same course as the Dandelion Run, only run in reverse and at night. That one’s a lot of fun, too.