The Tower to Town 10-mile Trail Run brought 148 racers this year, for the fourth annual race hosted by The Lebanon Valley Conservancy and Community Health Council of Lebanon County.
The race kicked off at the Clarence Schock Memorial Park Nature Center. Individuals and relay teams ran the rocky grounds of the park, picking up the smoother path of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, and finishing the descent into town at Optimist Park. After crossing the finish line, participants celebrated with music, food and drinks.
“It was nice to get back to our point to point race this year, said Nicole Maurer, Executive Director of the Community Health Council of Lebanon County. Runners came from Lancaster, Hershey, York, Mechanicsburg…we even had a few from Maryland.” Thanks to a county Hotel tax grant, our main sponsor Chrisland Engineering, supporting sponsors Wilson Consulting and UPMC, and many community sponsors, the event was able to raise over $5000 for the John E. Wengert Memorial Park.
The first place overall winner of the 2021 Tower to Town was Luis Miranda of Lebanon with a time of 1:01:36. Miranda continues to be the winner for the last three years. The first place female overall winner was Marissas Kovach of Lebanon with a time of 1:14:05. The first place overall relay team was Jerry Burkholder and Michelle Good of Myerstown. The team completed the run in 1:29:52. Results for additional age brackets can be found at pretzelcitysports.com (PDF).
“The park is expected to begin construction next year” explained Courtney Reimann, Executive Director for The Lebanon Valley Conservancy. “We are excited about the environmental improvements and the addition of the bicycle traffic garden” added Reimann.
In coordination with LVRT, the Penn State REACH Project, The Lebanon Valley Conservancy, the City and County of Lebanon, and a multitude of collaboration, the John E. Wengert Park will begin construction next year. The first phase includes the bike traffic garden, park signage, pavilions, parking area, as well as fitness stations and improvements to the LVRT trailhead. Future phase plans will incorporate additional trails, native plantings, an entertainment area and a playground. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the park project or making a donation can visit www.TLVC.org or call (717) 273-6400.
About the Lebanon Valley Conservancy
The Lebanon Valley Conservancy was formed in 2000 by a group of dedicated individuals representing various conservation organizations and groups that actively protect natural habitats, historical resources and farmland in Lebanon County. In cooperation with neighboring conservancies and trusts, as well as local and state governments, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy seeks to protect cultural, historical and natural resources. To learn more, call 717.273.6400 or visit www.TLVC.org.
About the Community Health Council of Lebanon County
The Community Health Council of Lebanon County was established in 1994, bringing together stakeholders from across the community to discuss common health goals and collaborative opportunities. The Community Health Council works together to develop and mobilize resources to enhance the health of Lebanon County. For additional information, call 717.270.7935 or visit www.communityhealthcouncil.com.
