The Lancaster Group of the Sierra Club invites runners and hikers to participate in the 14th annual Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, in Lancaster County Central Park. Participants also may bring their dogs on a leash to run or walk with them in the 3.1-mile fun race, which is returning after a hiatus of a year. Race-day registration and check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park's Pavilion 22 (Kiwanis Lodge); walk-ins will be accepted. Participants are asked to park at 826 Eshelman Mill Road, Lancaster, and take the shuttle to the race location.

Prizes and ribbons will be awarded. Recipients will include the overall top three male and female finishers; the first-, second- and third-place winners in numerous age and gender categories; and the first three finishers of any age who race with their dogs. Special door and dog prizes also will be presented.

The 5K route will be the same as it was in 2023, winding through the park on well-maintained trails with some hills.

There is a fee. For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/SCLGPolarBear5K2025.

All money raised by this event, the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group's major fundraiser, will support local efforts to ease climate change, the reason polar bears and other creatures are at risk of extinction. Funds raised in the 2025 race will help finance the organization's green project grant program, which over the past nine years has awarded grants of up to $500 to 95 Lancaster County organizations with environmental preservations projects. The money also will help support the Lancaster Group's free-to-the public outdoor activities and educational programs.

The Sierra Club is a national organization with a chapter in each state. The Lancaster Group, one of 10 in the Pennsylvania Chapter, has approximately 1,500 members. For more information, email SierraClubEvent@gmail.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/sierraclublancaster.