Red Rose Run

Celebrate 50 Years of Running in Lancaster!

Join us for a milestone event—the 50th Annual Red Rose Run! We're taking it back to 1977 to celebrate a 50-year tradition that has brought tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and community members to the heart of Downtown Lancaster. Be one of the first 250 registrants and be entered to win $250 Downtown Dollars!

Whether you are aiming for a personal best on our 5-mile course or enjoying a fun morning with the family, you are part of our history.

Dress in your finest 1970's running gear and be ready to bolt and boogie! Yes, the best overall 1970's themed costumed registrant will take home a City of Lancaster Prize Pack!

The race takes participants on a scenic tour through Lancaster City and County Park, featuring our signature mix of urban streets and rolling park hills. Note: while we love our furry friends, we ask that you leave your pets at home for this event

Registration Includes:

• Collectible water bottle courtesy of Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster
• Commemorative 50th anniversary race bib
• Post-race refreshments from Kegel’s Produce and Wilsbach
• Commemorative 50th anniversary race medal

🏆 Over $27,000 in Prize Money: 50th Anniversary Awards

To celebrate our 50th Annual Red Rose Run, we are proud to announce one of our largest prize purses ever! Whether you are an elite athlete chasing the podium or a dedicated age-group runner, there is plenty to run for on June 6th.  All timing and results are provided by Motion Timing, the timer for Lancaster events.

Overall:

The following cash prizes will be awarded to both the Top 5 Male and Top 5 Female finishers:

1st: $5,000 | 2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,750 | 4th: $1,000 | 5th: $600

Course Record:

$1977 to course record breakers for Male (23:37.0) and Female (27:17.0) find all previous records here

This bonus is awarded strictly to the single individual who establishes the new fastest record on race day. If multiple runners finish under the previous record time, only the fastest time recorded (the new official record holder) takes home the cash bounty.

Top Lancaster County Finisher:

$717 Awarded to the Top Male and Top Female finishers residing in Lancaster County (verified by zip code). 

Monetary awards will be mailed post event and some may require a W9 prior to mailing.  

Age Group Awards:

Every milestone counts. We are awarding Commemorative Awards to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the below divisions. Note - Overall Winners are excluded from Age Group awards to allow more runners to take home a trophy.

Age Groups Top 3 (Male & Female):

1–13 | 14–19 | 20–24 | 25–29 | 30–34 | 35–39 | 40–44 | 45–49 | 50–54 | 55–59 | 60–64 | 65–69 | 70–79 | 80–99

Non-Binary Division:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall.

Best 1970's Dressed:

Best dressed participant in 70's theme will win a Lancaster Prize Pack

All Finishers:

Receive a Commemorative 50th anniversary finisher medal

Past Winners:

Year By Year

Top 25 all time 

Awards Terms and Conditions 
Prize Money and Course Record Bonus Policy: All cash prizes are subject to official verification of finish times and compliance with USATF rules. Course Record Bonus of $1,977 will be awarded solely to the single male and single female athlete who establishes the official new course record on June 6, 2026. In the event that multiple athletes surpass the existing course records of 23:37.0 (Male) or 27:17.0 (Female), only the overall first-place finisher establishing the ultimate fastest time will be eligible for the bonus. Top Lancaster County Finisher award ($717) requires proof of residency within Lancaster County, verified strictly by the participant's registration zip code. Taxes on all cash winnings are the sole responsibility of the recipient.

Celebrate this milestone with the 50TH RED ROSE RUN Official T-Shirt! 🎉

ORDERING CLOSES 5/24 DON’T DELAY! Featuring a special edition commemorative logo to honor this amazing moment in race history, these unisex shirts are available in a full range of sizes. All 50th Annual merchandise is preorder only and will be ready for pickup at packet pickup. Anniversary shirts are not included with registration and are available exclusively through our official store — order yours here: https://redroserun.storenvy.com/

Here’s to 50 years of the Red Rose Run! 🌹

The Red Rose Run 5-mile course is a certified USATF USA TRACK & FIELD Mid-Atlantic Championship & Grand Prix Road Race Circuit course. Certification Code: PA23004NP Check out the run on Google Maps

Strollers are welcome, no need to register the little rider!

Logistics: Parking, Closures, & Where to Stay

Planning your race weekend? We’ve got you covered. From snagging a prime parking spot to booking a room in the heart of the action, here is everything you need to know to ensure a smooth 50th Anniversary race day.

 
🅿️ Parking

Lancaster City has several convenient parking garages located just a short walk from the start line. We recommend the following:

Prince Street Garage (111 N Prince St)
Queen Street Garage (95 N Queen St)
Steinman Park Garage (29 W Vine St)
Street Parking: Standard city rates apply on Saturdays. Please check local meters for time limits or download the ParkMobile app for easy payment and extensions.

 
🚧 Road Closures - Begin 6am

To ensure the safety of our 5,000+ runners, major road closures will begin at approximately 6:00 AM on race morning. Impacted streets include:

Queen Street
Lemon Street
Duke Street
Pro Tip: Arrive early! With 50 years of tradition, the city gets busy fast. Aim to be parked and settled by 7:00 AM to avoid traffic delays.

 
📣 Spectator Information

The best seat in the house is at Ewell Plaza! This central hub serves as both the Start and Finish line.

Spectators have a front-row view as their favorite runners charge down the hill toward the finish line. Bring your signs, your cowbells, Your finisher roses, and your loudest voices—let’s make sure all 50 years of Red Rose Run participants can hear the roar of the crowd!

 
🏨 Official Race Hotel: Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Stay exactly where the action is. Red Rose Run participants are eligible for an exclusive hotel discount at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square & Convention Center.

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Click Here to Book Your Exclusive Participant RateRooms at this rate are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

🎸 The Celebration: Post-Race Party & Awards

The race ends at the finish line, but the celebration starts at Binns Park! After you grab your finisher medal, head over to the park to refuel, relax, and celebrate 50 years of running with the rest of the Red Rose community.

🍻 The Wilsbach Distributors Beer Garden

Cool down with a cold one! Our friends at Wilsbach Distributors are hosting the official Beer Garden. Wristband required

• Entry: Must be 21+ with a valid ID.
• Requirements: Don’t forget your wristband—it’s your ticket to the garden!
• Non-Alcoholic Options: We’ll have a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages available for runners and families as well.

🎟️ Wristband Information

Wristbands are required for certain party perks and the Beer Garden.

For Registrants: Wristbands are available for just $5 during the registration process.
For Spectators & Guests: Non-participant wristbands will be available for purchase on-site on race day. (while supplies last)

🍎 Refuel & Refresh

Victory tastes sweet (and crunchy). We’ll have a spread of fresh fruit and refreshments waiting for you to help you kickstart your recovery while you enjoy the post-race vibes.

🎶 Live Entertainment

Keep the adrenaline pumping with live music on the Binns Park stage. It’s the perfect backdrop for swapping race stories and celebrating your new PR.

Stick around after the race for the awards ceremony in Binns Park!

🏆 Awards Ceremony

Stick around as we crown our champions! We will be hosting the awards ceremony in the heart of the park to honor our:

Top 5 Overall (Male & Female)
Course Record Breakers
Top Lancaster County Finishers
Category Winners

Full Award details here

🎒 Get Your Gear: Packet Pickup Details

We have two convenient options for you to grab your bib and race swag. Please note that both pickup sessions will take place outdoors at Ewell Plaza, right in the heart of the race day action.

🏮 Option 1: Friday Morning  

Kick off your weekend early pick up your bib at city hall just as you have in years past.

Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Lancaster City Hall (120 N. Duke Street)

🏮 Option 2: Friday Night "First Friday" Pickup

Kick off your race weekend by joining us during Lancaster’s famous First Friday! Enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene, local galleries, and street performances while you get race-ready.

Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Ewell Plaza (145 N. Queen Street)
Pro Tip: This is the best time to avoid the race-morning rush and soak up the downtown atmosphere!

🌅 Option 2: Race Morning Pickup

For those coming from out of town or who can't make it Friday, we’ll be ready for you bright and early.

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Location: Ewell Plaza (145 N. Queen Street)
Note: Pickup closes promptly at 7:30 AM to ensure everyone is lined up for the start.

📋 Packet Pickup: Pro-Tips for a Smooth Experience

To ensure everyone gets their gear quickly and has time to warm up, please follow these simple steps when you arrive at Ewell Plaza:

• Bring Your Confirmation: Please have your registration confirmation email ready (either printed or on your phone) to help our volunteers find your record.
• Check Your Bib Number: If your bib number has already been assigned, looking it up ahead of time will significantly speed up your pickup process.
• Unassigned Bibs: If your bib number has not yet been assigned or you cannot find it, please head directly to the "Day of Desk". Our team will get you assigned and ready to run in no time!

📝 Haven't Registered Yet?

It’s not too late to be part of history! If you or a friend missed the online deadline, we will have On-Site Registration available during both packet pickup windows.

Come see us at the registration tent at Ewell Plaza.
Secure your spot in the 50th Anniversary field!
Payment: Credit cards and mobile payments for on-site registration.

The 2026 Red Rose Run is presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health with additional support from