White Horse Fire Company schedules third race

Previous White Horse Gallop races have raised funds for a single-story portable fire training structure, which is used to train new firefighters and hone the skills of experienced volunteers. "The fundraisers are so community oriented, and the community has really come together to help (build the apparatus)," said Krissy Whiski, one of the organizers of the run.

The third annual Gallop, will again include the unique start for which the run has become known. "We were able to find a white horse to open our race as per tradition," stated Whiski. This year's event will feature a 5K race, a 10K - added in 2024 - and, new this year, a Kids' Fun Run for youngsters age 9 and under. The run will be held on Saturday, May 24. Registration at the fire station, 111 White Horse Road, Gap, will open at 7 a.m. The fun run will be held at 8 a.m. 10K will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K race will start at 8:35 a.m.

In addition to the races, a number of other activities have been planned for the day. The White Horse EMS Team will be on hand, and organizers expect to have a bounce house. White Horse fire trucks will be available for a "touch-a-truck" and demonstrations. The event will also include a visit from a rescue helicopter if weather permits. A candy drop from a ladder truck is scheduled at noon.

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 via Route 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike). Both Route 340 and Route 897 will be closed during the run. Hills will be featured on School Lane Road during the second mile of the run.

The run will be timed by Pretzel City Sports, and those wishing to participate may register at http://www.pretzelcitysports.com. 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 Tuesday, April 29. Online registration will close on Wednesday, May 21.

A small participation award will be given to each child who takes part in the fun run. Prizes will 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. Awards will be crafted by Lanchester Ferrier Services & Artistic Blacksmithing.

Water for runners who take part in the races will be provided by Legacy Plumbing. Food at the event will include breakfast sandwiches, lunch items, and ice cream by donation. Breakfast will be available from 7 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch items may be purchased between 10 a.m. and noon. Funds raised by this year's races will help the fire company purchase rescue tools that can be used to expedite removal of victims trapped in a motor vehicle accident. Sponsorships for the run are available, ranging from bronze to elite packages that include opportunities to advertise at the event. More information about sponsorship may be found at http://www.whitehorsefire.org/5k. Businesses that are interested in sponsoring the run must do so by Saturday, April 19, by calling 717-468-8005 or emailing racedirector49@gmail.com.

The training structure, which is now in place to the side of the fire station, helps train firefighters to ventilate roofs and to gain entry and search a building. Race organizer Aaron Stoltzfus explained that Nolt's Propane donated the shipping container that makes us the main section of the apparatus. "I work in a welding shop," said Stoltzfus. "A number of my co-workers helped me put it together. There were a lot of ideas from the rest of the guys."

Whiski noted that trainings that have helped firefighters build their skills have already been held, and race organizer Jeff Barrett said that through the Essentials Program, a number of area fire departments, including Gap, Intercourse, Paradise, Pequea Valley, and Bird-in-Hand, have benefited from the apparatus. "One of the (visiting) trainers was impressed with (the apparatus exhibiting) that many features in that small an area," noted Barrett.