May 1, 2024Lace Up For The Red Rose Run on June 1st, 2024
Celebrating 48 Years of Community Spirit
Lace up your shoes and sprint into Lancaster City for the Red Rose Run on June 1, 2024! Whether you are an experienced runner or enjoy walking or jogging, this run is for you!
In it’s 48th year, the annual five mile run brings thousands of people to Lancaster City for a special community event. Tom Ecker, the run director, explains what the run consists of. “The Red Rose Run is a five mile event, attracting runners and walkers, traveling through the Lancaster City. The course starts on North Queen Street, travels South on Duke Street, runs through the County Park and then returns to the start on Queen Street.”
In addition to the traditional run, a kids run is also being held at three distances of 200 meters, 400 meters and 800 meters depending on the child’s age. This event hopes to encourage kids to be active and stay healthy.
The Legacy of Lancaster’s Red Rose Run
The run has deep history in the city creating for a special event each year. Since its start in 1977, the event has not changed much and kept to its roots for generations. “The race began in 1977 during the heart of America’s running boom and attracted over 500 participants for the $2 entry fee. The course used the first year was not quite five miles, but ran a path similar to what is used today. The distance was corrected by the second year and has remained about the same since then,” Ecker notes.
Adding to the history of the run, Olympian Barney Ewell, who was born in Lancaster, PA, is honored at the race for his passion for the area. Katelynn Wright, the Special Events and Programs Manager for the City of Lancaster, notes the importance of acknowledging Ewell’s commitment to the city. “Ewell Plaza, the location of the Red Rose Run festivities, honors Barney Ewell’s Olympic legacy, gregarious spirit and love for the community and Lancaster that was unparalleled. Creating a public space where everyone can experience arts, culture, learning and recreation.”
In addition to Ewell’s connection to the event, Olympian and world-record holder, Sydney Maree also has history in the race. Maree ran in the Red Rose Run in 1987 using it as a training event. According to Ecker, Maree got lost while running and asked for directions when he returned to Duke street approaching the five street intersection at the top of the hill.
How the Red Rose Run Builds Community
Wright also explains that the run is important to the city for various reasons including creating a sense of community. “Running races promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. They encourage individuals to set fitness goals, train and participate in a challenging yet rewarding event. This can have long-term benefits for the health and well-being of community members.”
“Completing a running race, whether it’s a short fun run or a marathon, can instill a sense of achievement and pride in participants. This feeling of accomplishment can extend beyond individual runners to the entire community, reinforcing a positive sense of identity and belonging,” Wright explains.
Overall, the history and the current state of the Red Rose Run benefits the city by promoting tourism by inviting people from outside the area to explore the city and see what it has to offer. “Running races can attract participants from outside the community, drawing visitors who may explore the area before or after the event. This can help promote tourism and showcase the unique attractions and amenities of Lancaster City.”
To register for the race click here! For more information on the race click here.
