Register Now for Towamencin Police '5-0' 5K

Don't run from the cops; run for them.

Registration is now open for The Towamencin Police Benevolent Association "Five-0 5K" Run and Walk, set for June 15 at 9 a.m.

The first annual event is somewhat of a revival of a former run that had dropped off, according to Towamencin Police Specialist Kelly Palermo.

"We are bringing it back again," she said.

There are 15 runners registered as of Wednesday. Palermo is hoping for 200 runners.

The 5K will begin at the Towamencin Township Police headquarters at Troxel and Snyder roads. The course will run to Troxel Road, to Mark Drive, to Steven Lane, to Oxford Road, to Snyder, to Weikel Road, to Salem Way, to Pickwick Lane, to Stonybrook Lane, to Weikel, to Snyder and finally ending at police headquarters.

"I think it's a great thing for the community. (Towamencin Police booking technician) CJ Yoder got me into running two years ago," said Palermo. "I've participated in several runs since then. It's a good way to meet other people and raise funds for the community."

All proceeds will go back to the TPBA, in order to support future community outreach events. The TPBA sponsors an annual Easter Egg Hunt and an annual Christmas Food and Gift Drive.

The TPBA was incorporated last year in the township. Its last big event was a beef and beer fundraiser at Holiday Inn in Towamencin.

"It will help the benevolent association start new events," Palermo said.

Registration is $25 per adult and $15 per child. You can signup at www.towamencinpd.org or at www.active.com. You can also register day of the event between 8 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

All pre-registered runners get a free T-shirt.

There will be awards for first, second and third male and female in each age bracket, Palermo said.

The run will be timed via a Jaguar chip system, Palermo said. The Jaguar system times each runner from the first crossing of the starting line to the final crossing at the finish line, she said. Time does not start with the firing of the gun.

"It's a more accurate system," Palermo said.

Jaguar will also be providing a big screen TV at the start/finish line.

"Local business sponsors are going to be featured on the TV," Palermo said.

Via Marconi Pizza Pub has jumped on board as the main sponsor of the event. Other sponsors include Holiday Inn, Bambi Day School, Towamencin Beverage, Agape Water Solutions, Ron Reinert of State Farm Insurance, McTish and Kunkel & Associates, Preston's Auto Repair, Magic Shine Car Wash, Wilmer Yoder Construction and Ed's Exxon.

Wawa is providing refreshments, and Palermo said there will be pretzels and fruit at the race.

Sponsorship opportunities available at three levels at (215) 368-7606 or at kpalermo@towamencinpd.org. The highest sponsor level gives promotion on the awards, TV and T-shirts. The lower sponsor level gets promotion just on T-shirts, for instance.

After the race, there will be tours of Towamencin Township Police Department.

"We're looking to have this yearly, near the same date," Palermo said. "I figured it's a good time of year for the run."