City of Lancaster Celebrates 50th Annual Red Rose Run

The Red Rose Run will celebrate its 50th race Saturday, June 6 in Lancaster, beginning at 8 a.m. on the 100 block of North Queen Street between Binns Park and Ewell Plaza.

Founded in 1977 by Millersville University track standout Cy Fritz and WGAL radio personality By Kintzer, the race attracts runners from across the region.

Organizers are encouraging participants and spectators to commemorate the anniversary by wearing 1970s-inspired running attire, including tube socks, sweatbands and tracksuits. More than 1,750 runners have already registered for the USATF-certified 5-mile race.

“I look forward to running in the Red Rose Run alongside over 1,700 participants as we celebrate the 50th anniversary,” Mayor Jaime Arroyo said. “This milestone is especially meaningful, and I am grateful to the sponsors, participants and longtime competitors who have helped make the race a Lancaster tradition for the past half-century. See you at the finish line!”

Jeff Bradley, winner of the inaugural Red Rose Run in 1977 and a four-time champion, will serve as the official starter. He will fire the starting gun and assist with awards presentations after the race. Bradley finished second to future Olympian Sydney Maree in 1978.

Dave Glouner and Elvin Kraybill, the only runners to compete in every Red Rose Run, also will participate in this year’s event.

The race will offer more than $27,000 in prize money, including a $1,977 bonus for any runner who breaks the course record. Chris Fox set the men’s record of 23:37 in 1992, while Kristen Bankes set the women’s record of 27:17 in 1979.

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is the presenting sponsor. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Lancaster Central Market Trust.

Following the race will be a kids’ run at 9:30 a.m., as well as a post-race party and beer garden in Binns Park.

For registration and additional information, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Lancaster/RedRoseRun

Road Closures & Parking Restrictions

Towing enforcement begins at 5 a.m. on race day, and street closures begin at 6 a.m. Motorists are advised to plan ahead to avoid delays or towing.

Vehicles parked in the following locations will be subject to towing:

• 100, 200 and 300 blocks of North Queen Street 
• First block of East Walnut Street 
• First block of East Lemon Street 
• 100, 200 and 300 blocks of North Duke Street 
• First and 100 blocks of South Duke Street

Additional street closures include:

• First block of West Chestnut Street
• First and 100 blocks of East Chestnut Street
• First to 400 blocks of North Duke Street
• First and 100 blocks of East Walnut Street
• First to 1300 blocks of South Duke Street
• 400 and 500 blocks of Church Street
• First and 100 blocks of East Orange Street
• First and 100 blocks of Chesapeake Street (between South Queen and South Lime streets)