Beginning Thursday, June 3, the city of Lancaster Office of Promotion (LOOP) will host its 45th annual Red Rose Run. This year's race will be virtual, and participants can complete their 5 miles in one continuous route or over the course of four days from June 3 to Sunday, June 6. Participants will have the option to walk or run the race and can submit their times for a chance to win awards. Organizers will email the winners once they have been determined. T-shirts will be included in registration, which is currently open.

This will be the fourth year that proceeds benefit Lancaster Central Market. When asked why people should participate in the race, Dani Decker, communications manager at Central Market, said, "Because it allows Central Market to continue operating and to continue to be a source of fresh food for Lancaster city and the surrounding counties."

Although there are for profit businesses within the market, Central Market is run by a nonprofit. Events such as Red Rose Run help Central Market with outreach, employing staff, and maintaining the building. Although the race was different last year, the proceeds still made a huge impact on Central Market. "It was so important because we used the money to purchase hand sanitizer stations, provide masks to everyone who walked through the doors, and do thorough cleanings," explained Decker

LOOP strives to make Red Rose Run better than the year before. This year, LOOP put together six different course options for those local to Lancaster. "Since the race is virtual, you can run it anywhere, but we put together these options to help guide people," said Annie Weeks, director of LOOP. "It's been a hard year for so many people, and this is a chance for everyone to do something together from all around the world. This is a city celebration. We're celebrating community and we're celebrating health."

"As a city, we are all coming back together after a year apart, and traditions like the Red Rose Run are a great way to do that," noted Decker. "Central Market wouldn't exist without a community. The support we feel coming from the community is what keeps Central Market going."

For more information about the Red Rose Run, visit http://bit.ly/RedRoseRun2021 or email loop@cityoflancasterpa.com. To learn more about the Central Market, visit https://centralmarketlancaster.com.