White Horse Fire and EMS Company will host its fourth annual White Horse Gallop 5K, 10K and community day on Saturday, May 23.

The event will feature a 10K and 5K cross-country run, as well as a fun run and several free community activities. It will take place at the fire station, 111 White Horse Road, Gap. There is a cost to register.

The race has become known for its unique start, which features a white horse opening the gallop. The horse comes from a local farm.

"When we decided to call it a White Horse Gallop, we felt like we needed a horse," said Alvin Stoltzfus, one of the organizers of the event. "I know (the farmer) spent some time training the horse ... he takes a lot of pride in it."

On the day of the race, registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. The fun run will start at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 8:35 a.m.

Both the 5K and 10K routes remain unchanged. As in the past, runners will leave the fire company and travel south on Route 897 and return on Route 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike). Sections of both roads will be closed during the run; hills will be featured on School Lane Road during the second mile of both runs.

The fun run, limited to youngsters age 9 and under, will be a circular course around the entire station. The fun run portion of the festivities was new for last year's event.

Following the run, ambulance "touch-a-truck" opportunities, as well as both a bounce house and a candy drop from a ladder truck, will be available. Safety demonstrations will also be conducted, and the Pennsylvania State Police will stage a helicopter landing.

Food will be available throughout the day. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and will feature sandwiches, along with breakfast bowls and a coffee bar serving lattes and spritzers. Lunch will then be available from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and fries.

"They do a phenomenal job with it," Stoltzfus said of the food committee. "It makes it so nice."

Runners interested in the race, which will be electronically timed by 2L Race Timing and Services, can register at http://www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Gap/WhiteHorseGallop.

Registration forms may also be picked up at the fire company and at local businesses. To receive a free T-shirt, mailed registrations must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 29. Online registrations will close prior to the race.

Participation awards will be given to each child who participates in the fun run. Prizes will also be awarded to the top overall male and female runners, and to the top three males and females in nine age groups, which will be 9 and under, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and above.

Last year, the event had more than 400 runners.

White Horse Fire and EMS Company has answered over 25,000 emergency calls and was established in 1913. The company primarily serves Salisbury Township but also answers calls in outer parts of Leacock and East Earl townships.

Funds raised by this year's races will help the fire company in the second phase of its building project, which includes dismantling and rebuilding the existing kitchen and dining room, as well as connecting the new structure to the in-progress fire apparatus that will house two engine trucks, a tanker and a utility truck.

The estimated cost for the second phase of the project is $1.65 million. The third phase will house three ambulances, offices for the EMS division and overnight accommodations for White Horse's volunteer providers.

Stoltzfus said that the committee hopes to raise $50,000 through this year's gallop - over half of last year's figure.

"We have exceptional community support," he said. "We try and do our part in making it worthwhile for people to show up."

Sponsorships for the run are available, ranging from bronze to elite packages that include opportunities to advertise at the event. More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting http://www.runsignup.com/Race/WhiteHorseGallop/Page-1.