The 10th annual Ryerss Run for the Horses, which will include a 10K run, a 5K run and a 1-mile walk, will be held on Saturday, April 9, at Ryerss Farm, 1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the race and walk will start at 1 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the retired and rescued horses that reside at the farm.

New this year will be a post-race celebration that will take place immediately following the walk and run. Those who preregister by Saturday, April 2, for the Run for the Horses and the post-race event will receive a discount. Individuals may register at http://www.ryerssfarm.org/run-for-the-horses.

"The party will be open to the general public as well as the racers," explained Joelle Temoyan, administrative manager at Ryerss. "There will be a DJ providing music, and there will be a food truck and a beer truck (with food and beverages) available for purchase."

She said that adding the post-race event will bring a social element to the event, as well as help raise additional funds for the farm. "Normally when the race is over, most people leave Ryerss Farm. We decided this year to add the post-race party to raise more funds for the horses," she said. "With COVID restrictions loosening and people looking for things to do that are close to home and fun, we wanted to help people get together. (We want to) bring in people who have never come to Ryerss Farm before."

During last year's event, COVID restrictions were put into place, but masks will not be required this year. "Last year, we had (approximately) 300 runners, so we are looking for more than that this year," said Temoyan.

The runs and walk will take participants along a cross-country course throughout the farm, through fields and around pastures. Runners in the 5K and 10K will be electronically timed. Winners in various age divisions will receive medals.

"The walkers ... will walk a 1-mile route that is closer to the farm. The 10K and 5K runners start first and it's a further route around the farm," noted Temoyan. "Quite a few kids participate in the 5K. Some people like to do the 1-mile walk with their smaller children. (It's also ideal) for people that are older and have difficulty running cross-country. We do allow dogs on leashes, and some people come for the 1-mile walk and bring their dog."

The site's gift shop will be open during the day, offering equine-related items, including plush miniature horses. "We also have our apparel - hats, T-shirts and hoodies," Temoyan added.

On the day of the run, people will be able to visit the horses, many of which gather along the fence to watch the runners pass by. "They line up at the beginning of the race and they get bored and move on," said Temoyan with a smile.

People are welcome to visit the horses at Ryerss Farm daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Those who want to feed snacks to the horses are asked to purchase treats from the gift shop.

For more information about Ryerss Farm, call 610-469-0533 or visit http://www.facebook.com/ryerss.farm or http://www.ryerssfarm.org.