New look for Five Star Trail poker run
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
A do-it-yourself approach to an annual fundraiser that benefits Westmoreland County trails has been a success.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the 21st annual Five Star Trail Poker Run had to make changes this year.
Instead of one large event that usually attracts more than 200 runners and walkers, the fundraiser has been spread out through three dates.
Organizers said the first of the three events, held July 18, was a great success.
Lauren Jones, communications coordinator for Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, said 93 people participated in the July event.
“Of those, 67 registered beforehand and 26 the day of the event,” she said. “We were pleased with registration this year, especially with all that’s going on.”
The next event, set for Aug. 15, has 30 participants signed up.
While there will not be top “winners” this year, runners, walkers and bikers can start and finish the run where they choose — and stop to take a selfie along the way for the 2020 Poker Run album.
Instead of collecting cards to develop their “hands,” door prizes will be drawn the week after each run.
“Usually we have about 200 people participate on the one day, but we hope to have that many participants or more over the three events,” Jones said. “While we were sad we couldn’t have the card stops along the trail, we liked the registration and T-shirt booth at Huff Avenue and having people check in when it was convenient for them.”
Initial registration is $20 and includes an athletic performance T-shirt.
A pre-registration form is available online and can be mailed in, but residents can also register in person on the day of the event at the Huff Avenue Access Area in South Greensburg from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
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