The Facebook event page for the Apoca-Lititz 5K Run/Walk fittingly proclaims "It's Baaaaaaaaaack!" However, Rebecca Branle, executive director of Venture Lititz, notes that the event is toned down from when it originated years ago as the "Zombie Run." "We wanted to make it more family friendly," noted Branle, who added that while costumes are encouraged, they need not be scary. "You can dress up as anything," she said. "We have had sweet, silly, and cute, as well as scary, (costumes)."

The 2022 Apoca-Lititz 5K will be held rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 9 a.m., with day-of registration from 7 to 8:30 a.m. This year's race will begin at Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, 35 N. Cedar St., Lititz.

"(Stoll & Wolfe) is in the center of things, so we can have a nice safe start," said Branle, who noted the run will take Kleine Lane to North Water Street to North Oak Street, where the route will take the Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail to a turn-around point. The route has been called "beginner friendly." "There's a virtual option," noted Branle. "We want to give people that option, but we feel good about this because we are outside doing something healthy."

Branle said that because the event has been moved to Stoll & Wolfe, special prizes will be offered to the winners. "That will be fun," said Branle. "(Stoll & Wolfe) will be providing prizes to the top overall finishers with alternative prizes (for those who prefer to avoid alcohol)," she said. "We encourage folks to hang out and have some food at Stoll & Wolfe," she added. "They are a family business in town we want to lift up." In addition to prizes for overall top male and female finishers, prizes will be awarded to the top three runners in eight age groups. Prizes will also be given to children and adults for the best costume, the scariest costume, and the best group costume.

Runners and walkers who wish to take part are encouraged to register at http://www.pretzelcitysports.com by midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to receive a free T-shirt designed by local writer and illustrator Bill Dussinger. Packet pickup will be on Friday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Hotel Rock Lititz, 50 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz, or at beginning at 7 a.m. at the event. Questions may be directed to kim@hotelrocklititz.com or 717-964-0174.