Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company Plans Inaugural 5K Race

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company is holding its first ever 5K on Saturday, Aug. 29, and starting a scholarship fund with the proceeds.

The 5K run/walk will kick off the fire company’s 125th anniversary celebration, which continues throughout the day.

Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary President Kristine Davis suggested the race while serving on the 125th anniversary celebration planning committee.

“We were just thinking of things to do, and I run all the time,” said Davis, who has participated in races for nonprofits like the Wounded Warrior project. She said she does not know of any fire companies in the area that have 5Ks but the idea is to continue having the race each year after this.

At least 100 people had registered for the race, she said Friday. Members of various fire companies and those not affiliated with the fire service have signed up.

“[County Executive] Barry Glassman is running it as well,” Davis said. “And right before the race starts, he’s presenting the chief and our president with a proclamation for our anniversary.”

Registration for the 5K is $20, and people can sign up from 7 to 7:45 a.m. the day of the race at the Liriodendron Mansion, 502 West Gordon Street. The course will take participants along the MA and PA Trail. Each person who signs up gets a free shirt.

Awards will be presented afterward, and winners will get a “really cool medal with the fire department’s logo” on it, Davis said.

Money raised from Saturday’s race will go toward a new Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company scholarship for those planning to pursue studies in the field of emergency services, according to Davis.

The fire company’s 125th anniversary celebration will continue through 5 p.m. See a schedule of events here.

See Also:

• Bel Air VFC Plans Slew of Celebratory Events
• Bel Air VFC Hosting First Annual 5K Fun Run

Photo Credit: MA and PA Trail.