HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM

This year, we invite you to lace up your running shoes and join us for our second BURIED BARREL HARD CIDER TRAIL 5K as we celebrate a milestone unlike any otherAMERICAS 250TH BIRTHDAY!

Over the past 250 years, countless men and women have sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. This race is our way of honoring that legacy while celebrating everything that makes our communities strong: faith, family, friendship, agriculture, and the beautiful land we call home.

Lets face itthe world can feel divided and messy at times. But for one morning, we hope youll join us in setting those differences aside. Whether youre running, walking, cheering from the sidelines, or volunteering, this event is about bringing people together. Its about celebrating our neighbors, supporting one another, appreciating the freedoms we share, and creating memories in the heart of our rural community.

Our scenic trail winds through the beautiful countryside, offering breathtaking views of the orchard and farmland that have shaped our familys story for generations. As you cross the finish line, we hope youll leave not only with a medal, but with a renewed appreciation for our country, our community, and the people who make both so special.

WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a point-to-point race youll start at the Buried Barrel taproom location and end in the Pankow Farms apple orchard. At the finish line there will be complimentary water, and (optional) hard cider to cheers with and youll be given your keepsake medal. There will be Jimmy rides and wagon rides back to the cidery roughly every 30 minutes [approx.] as participants finish the race. Sweet Smoke Barbeque will be at the cidery with their mouth-watering chicken BBQ's.

AGE GROUPS
The race is open to all ages and this year we will open the course up to those with strollers however, we ask there to be NO dogs on the trail. We absolutely love dogs and welcome friendly, leashed pets at our cidery, but because of where the 5K runs though we dont want to risk any pup running off.

AWARDS
Special awards will be presented to our TOP OVERALL FINISHERS and to the LAST person who crosses the finish line. The overall finishers will hold the course records and the last person will be named "Person Irrelevant" - in football, it's a term they use to celebrate the underdog, or the last player drafted! Age Group Awards for TOP FINISHERS in each group [male/female]. All registered participants that cross the finish line will receive a custom medal.
Age Groups: 19 and under, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, and 60+

PARKING
You will park at Buried Barrel and it's FREE! Just follow the parking attendants on where to go.

PHOTOGRAPHERS
We have Jamie Pankow Photography [https://www.jamiepankowphotography.com/], Wiseley Photography by Adrianna Lathan [https://www.instagram.com/wiseley.photography/], and Br"at Social Co by Haylee Frank [https://www.bratsocial.com/] that will be along the course to take photos and videos of the race, race participants and the behind the scene shenanigans!

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORSHIPS
If you are unable to race but still would like to be involved, we will have many open volunteer positions for race day. We are also looking for sponsors! If youre interested in partnering with us, please reach out to Lindsey!

SWAG BAG & BIB PICK-UP: _Must Bring ID!_ Every registered participant will receive a commemorative All-American swag bag packed with race-day goodies! Each bag includes an official 2026 Buried Barrel Hard Cider Trail 5K commemorative t-shirt, a custom Buried Barrel logo bandanna, a handheld American flag to proudly wave in celebration of America's 250th birthday, and other fun surprises and sponsor goodies. As part of your race registration, every swag bag will also include a ticket for _ONE_ delicious chicken BBQ meal, making it a perfect way to relax, refuel, and celebrate after crossing the finish line!

Race Day ONLY: Sunday, October 4 from 8:30 AM to right up until the start of the race.

DJ + AWARDS CEREMONY
The fun doesn't end at the finish line! After you complete the race head back to Buried Barrel where DJ Ricky Muolo will be spinning a mix of great music to keep the celebration going. The awards ceremony will take place once everyone has finished the race and is back to the cidery.

WEAR YOUR PATRIOTISM PROUD!
We encourage everyone to dress in their patriotic best!

* Red
* White
* Blue

Whether its stars and stripes, an American flag shirt, patriotic socks, an eagle hat, red-white-and-blue tutus, Uncle Sam attire, or anything that celebrates America, we want the course filled with patriotic spirit. Lets create a sea of red, white, and blue as we celebrate Americas 250th birthday together!

RUNNING WITH PURPOSE
The Buried Barrel Hard Cider Trail 5K is about much more than crossing the finish line. Every registration helps support organizations that work tirelessly to strengthen our community.

This years proceeds will benefit:

* The ANIMAL FRIENDS AT WYCO ANIMAL SHELTER, who provide care and second chances for dogs in need.
* The CASTILE FIRE DEPARTMENT which is now part of the Eastside Fire District (includes Gainesville, Castile and Silver Springs), whose members selflessly answer the call whenever our community needs them.
* The WYOMING COUNTY COALITION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION and our LOCAL VETERANS SERVICES, supporting those who have served our country and helping provide hope, resources, and assistance to veterans facing difficult times.

VETERANS DONATION DRIVE
This year, were asking participants and spectators to help us go one step further.

If youre able, please consider bringing donations of:

* Personal hygiene items
* Non-perishable food
* Gas gift cards

These donations will be given directly to our local veterans services to help veterans in need throughout our community. Even a small donation can make a meaningful difference for someone who has sacrificed so much in service to our country.

RAFFLE BASKET DONATIONS
We will also have a variety of raffle baskets available on race day, with all proceeds benefiting this year's charitable organizations. If you or your business would like to donate a raffle basket, gift certificate, or other item, we'd be incredibly grateful for your support.

Together, lets celebrate 250 years of freedom by giving back to those who have helped protect it.

RUN FOR AMERICA. RUN FOR COMMUNITY. RUN WITH GRATITUDE.

CANCELLATION POLICY
There are no refunds. In the event of dangerous weather conditions, public safety concerns, or any other reason considered necessary by the race organizers, we reserve the right to postpone or reschedule the event at our discretion or offer a 100% virtual alternative.

We cant wait to celebrate with you!