The Lancaster Group of the Sierra Club's mid-winter Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike Bring Your Dog will be staged as a virtual event this year. Participants will have an opportunity to run, walk, or hike in the 3.1-mile race on their own or with their family and friends at any location they choose. Dogs and other domestic pets may join in.

Money raised through the event provides cash for the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group's green grants, which are awarded annually to local organizations that have a need for aid with their eco-projects. Among these projects have been initiatives to establish native habitat gardens, promote rain barrel use, and create education classes for children. Fifty-two Lancaster County groups have benefited from these grants of up to $500 over the past five years.

People who want to join in the Polar Bear 5K must register at http://www.lancastersierraclub.org and then finish their 5Ks between Friday, Jan. 15, and Monday, Jan. 25.

Prizes in various categories will be awarded randomly. Participants are encouraged to post pictures of themselves, along with their participating pets, on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #PB5K21. Race participants are also welcome to submit their completion times but, this year, prizes will not be based on them.

There is a registration fee. Face masks with the Polar Bear 5K logo on them will be sent to all registrants while supplies last; although not necessary, all participants are encouraged to wear the masks while on their 5K routes, especially if they will be submitting and sharing videos of themselves.

All registrants are asked to abide by the guidelines and protocols recommended by the CDC and Pennsylvania Health Department in effect on the day they run, walk, or hike the route or trail of their choice.

For more information, including online registration and other forms, readers may visit http://lancastersierraclub.org/polar-bear-5k-virtual-race/ or http://www.facebook.com/sierraclublancaster or email sierraclubevent@gmail.com.