The parking lot at Heidelberg Church was filled with people talking and moving on to talk to others. Some were still registering because it was race day at the church and enthusiasm filled the air.

Two food trucks, Burger Wagon offering breakfast and staying for the return of the racers, and Stagger Lee, with a variety of grilled offerings, were on hand. On a table was free fruit and water for the returning runners.

A Polish Ice stand provided cool refreshment. A market truck, which bore the logo, “Eat Real Food,” provided produce to be taken home.

Benefiting from the event would be the Kellyn Foundation, which is interested in health and wellness education. It provides food to people who don’t have enough and teaches them to grow their own produce.

The foundation’s motto is “Making the healthy choice the easy choice.”

The new truck fund at Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville, and Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley will also benefit from the proceeds. Family Promise helps homeless families through a network of churches. Heidelberg is the host curch.

Taking part in the race were 161 individuals for the 5K and a dozen children participated in the kids race.

Girl Scouts provided crafts for kids with supplies donated by Crayola.

Nestle Water North America provided bottles of water.

“We have beautiful weather. This is a great community and the event brings people together. It is relaxing,” said Amber Kinney, sponsor chairwoman. “It’s warmer than you think. She asked if there would be water along the way. There was.

Brian Lenhart, announcer, said in its second year it has grown into a community event that is healthful. He wanted to thank all the people who helped.

The Goodwill Fire Company with several trucks and Northern Valley Ambulance were keeping things safe. On the side of the fire company’s Squad 1051 truck were the words “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a VOLUNTEER.”

After announcements and the national anthem for which the flag was mounted on the Goodwill truck, the fire truck’s horn gave the “Go.”

And here they come. With a time of 20.09 Aaron Hofmann was first overall. Eric Andreus came in second. Andreus said he was in his usual first place until the last hill.

Steve Kistler brought Brian, the first baby, to the finish line.

Devon Heinly was the first female with Corina Heffelfinger close behind. An exceptional number of women were entered in the over 61 to 70 age group, and unexpectedly one 80-year-old placed first in the class that wasn’t. No one could remember that happening before. Linda Hausamann was extremely proud of her ribbon.

Karen Yonney, pastor of Heidelberg United Church of Christ, gave a good showing in her race.