Run for Reading
Walk, jog, or run for reading on Saturday, August 8 for the 20th annual Run for Reading 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Winding Hill Park in Upper Allen Township! You can also participate virtually! Just register for the race and run your own 5K route any time on August 8.
This is a great family event, and the proceeds benefit children's programs and services at Simpson Public Library. We hope to see you out running on August 8!
- Date:
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Time:
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Simpson
- Audience:
- Ages 0-5 / Preschool Ages 06-11 / Grades K-5 Ages 12-18 / Grades 6-12 Ages 19 and up / Adults All Ages
- Categories:
- Fundraisers
- Attachments:
Schedule - Rain or Shine
| 7:45 am | Check-in begins |
| 8:30 am | 5K Run/Walk begins |
| 9:15 am | 1-mile Fun Run/Walk begins |
| 9:30 am | Awards presentation |
5K Race Details
Age Groups
14 & under, 15 - 19, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 & over
Awards
Awards will be given only to participants at Winding Hill Park.
- 5k medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group
- Cash prizes and medals to the top three male and female 5K finishers overall.
- Cash prize and medal for the top 5K finisher who is a veteran!
- No medals awarded for 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk.
Results
Race results will be posted on the library’s webpage following the race at www.simpsonlibrary.org and at Pretzel City Sports.
Registration Information
- Print out the Run For Reading 2026 Race Brochure, fill out the registration form, and return to Simpson Library with payment.
- You can also register online at Pretzel City Sports. A service fee applies to registrations made online.
- On-site registration is available the day of the event beginning at 7:45 am.
Registration Fees:
Registration fees apply to everyone participating in Run for Reading, whether you will join the races at Winding Hill Park or participate "virtually" on your own course.
On or Before July 20, 2026:
- $30 per 5K participant – includes a shirt
- $15 Family fee for 1-mile Fun Run/Walk – no shirt
- $10 Single fee for 1-mile Fun Run/Walk – no shirt
July 21, 2025 through Race Day:
- $35 per 5K participant – shirt not guaranteed
- $20 Family fee for 1-mile Fun Run/Walk – no shirt
- $15 Single fee for 1-mile Fun Run/Walk – no shirt
Race Packet Pick-Up
Runners may pick-up their race packets on the day of the race at Winding Hill Park beginning at 7:45 am. Those participating virtually can pick up their t-shirts and race packets after the race at Simpson Library.
Run for Reading Sponsors
Are you interested in sponsoring Run For Reading? Your sponsorship enables us to put on a high-quality and fun-filled race for our community. Please fill out and submit the sponsorship form or contact Dawna Trump at dtrump@cumberlandcountylibraries.org or 717-766-0171.
Annual Event & Holiday Sponsors
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
F & M Trust
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
UPMC
Silver Sponsors
Farinelli Construction Inc.
Upper Allen Woman’s Club Foundation
Bronze Sponsors
AIA Alera Group
Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church
The Mechanicsburg Club
M.C. Walker Realty
Course Details
No bicycles, dogs, roller blades, or skateboards on the race courses. Jogging strollers are permitted.
Start / Finish: Winding Hill Park North and South, 901 E. Winding Hill Road in Upper Allen Township, Mechanicsburg. Please do not park on the grass at the park.
2026 Route Map
Questions? Please contact Dawna Trump at dtrump@cumberlandcountylibraries.org or 717-766-0171.