Ligonier's Summer Solstice 5k

Ligonier's Summer Solstice 5k

1st Annual ((replacing Set Your Year On Fire 5k))

June 21 2026 9 am

There is Race Day Registration starting at 8 am

INTRO:

This is a direct benefit 5k for the Ligonier Borough Volunteer Fire Company all Proceeds go directly to them.

This is a race themed around the Summer Solstice each year. It will be held each year the Sunday before Summer Solstice, if it naturally occurs on a Sunday it will be on the actual day. This is replacing the Set Your year On Fire 5k. With unpredictable weather, temperatures, road conditions, and not being able to clean the trail we thought it best it move it to a summer month where it be a lot safer.  

BIB/SHIRT PICKUP:

This will be at the trailhead at the far end of the football field where the finish line will also be.

COURSE INFORMATION:

The course for the most part is a out and back style course. It will begin in front of Weller field little past where you go into the stadium to pay. There is a yellow "Watch Children" sign that will serve as the start line. From there you run straight very briefly before making the first right hand turn between the field and friendship park. You will run to the end of the road then make a right going onto the bridge that is the start of the Ligonier Valley Trail. The bridge is about .25 miles into the race. From there you will run the entire Ligonier Valley trail. You will cross two roads both will have someone there stopping traffic so you don’t have to stop if a vehicle would be coming. The end of the trail is 1.62 mile from the start. At the end of the trail there is a sign with history of a train derailment that happened many years ago in the area, it’s a big white sign. Run behind that sign not in front you can see how the trail is worn behind the sign as a turn around point. As you circle around the sign you will head back the way you came. Following the exact same route you took heading out. There will be a water stop at the trailhead by the baseball field if you need a drink you pass it right at that 1.5-1.55 point into the race and again at the 1.7-1.75 mark heading back so you pass it twice in a short period of time. Please keep trash to the water stop area. As you come back over the bridge you will make a right hand turn staying in the lower parking lot. Do not run up in between the field and park as you did to start the race. The finish is in the lower end parking lot. There will be signs or someone telling you where to go, you’ll be able to see the finish line as you come over the bridge. So it wont be a issue. The exact finish line is at the batting cages at the lower end parking lot area. The exact finish line is inline with the first batting cages home plate, if you want to practice the course those are the markers to use.

It’s a pretty flat course and for the most part straight. You’ll be able see pretty good in front and behind you for a good distance the whole race. So, you’ll be able to tell your placement as you race. We will do our best to make sure the trail is safe. But we cant control the weather so there may be puddles or slight uneven spots on the trail.

PRICING:

Pricing is $20 until May 31 at 6pm, then it becomes $25 till registration closes June 20 at 1pm, then its $30 day of the race. There is day of registration starting at 8am and ending at 8:50am. Cash or Check only day of for those registering day of. Credit cards will not be accepted day of. Please allow ample time to sign in day of the race. If you are registering day of, please come early and not come last minute we will not delay the race.

For this year children 10 and under will be free till registration closes then children will be $10 day of. Please see the rules for more information. Though a child's registration is free, they must still purchase a t-shirt to get one. 

LOCATION:

Address: 203 Boquet Street Ligonier PA 15658 (Behind Weller Field and Friendship Park)

Coordinates: 40.247321, -79.234746

AWARDS:

Top 3 M & F overall, top 3 in each age group for the run: 10 and under, 11-14,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Top 3 M &F for Walk. We are doing age groups to line up with the run category: 10 and under, 11-14,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
(no duplicates, awards will not be mailed)

*children 10 and under must run the race under their own power to be eligible for age group awards. Having been pushed on a stroller or carried by someone will not qualify. 

Time Limit: 1 Hour 05 minutes. (20:55 minute pace per mile)

SCHEDULE FOR THE RACE: 
8:00 am registration opens (possibly earlier)
8:50 am registration closes
9:00 am race starts
10:05 am race ends (must be across mats by 10:05 am to be included in results)
10:10 am awards ceremony

Accommodations:

We want to make sure participants who may need some accommodations are certainly welcome. Please reach out ahead of time so we can make sure to care of those needs if possible.

WALK DIVISION

We will be awarding the top 3 overall Male and top 3 overall Females who are in the walk division. We are doing age groups to line up with the run category: 10 and under, 11-14,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. You must also finish within the 1:05 time frame. There is no running allowed. You will be disqualified if caught running and your signed up for the walk. This is strictly enforced as its not fair to those who are serious race walkers. So please no running at all even when you see the finish line come into view.

REGISTRATION:

Opens at 8:00 am (maybe earlier depending on registration numbers) and closes at 8:50 am. Race starts at 9:00 am sharp. Awards at 10:10 am. Must be across mats at 10:05 am to qualify for awards.

WHATS INCLUDED:

Custom race Bib Number, chip finish timing, safe environment, post race snacks chance to make lasting memories while celebrating Summer Solstice! Sticker specific to the race and cool awards. Custom unisex t-shirt if you purchased one while registering before the shirt deadline which is June 1st at 6 pm. There will also be pictures taken of you, for you to share.

RESULTS:

Results will be posted online after the race at www.smileymiles.com, please be patient is may take 24 hours for results to be fully posted. I will also post a link to them after they are posted.

FOOD/LIQUIDS:

We will provide water at the mid way point. There will also be post race snacks, ill try to have nice standard variety. There will also be water at the finish line.

PARKING:

Will be how you normally would for a game or to use the playground.

If your not familiar with the area there is plenty of parking between Friendship Park and Weller field on the left hand side going down as well as a few spots at the end. But at the end that’s where finish line is so we strongly discourage use of the lower end parking lot if you have to leave before awards are all given out because the lower end will be blocked off so you wont be able to get out.

Also more parking in front of the field and through local streets.

RULES:

We are testing out the free child registration option for those 10 and under. We require at least one adult to be present at the event to watch the child. The adult does not have to run beside the child during the event, but we ask that you use your best judgement in letting the child run alone if you choose to let them. 

There is to be no unsupervised children to be dropped off at the event. We Are not responsible for watching or taking care of a child, if a child is dropped off unsupervised by anyone we will contact the authorities, this is for safety purposes and liability purposes on our end and your along with everybody in attendance. Again we are not responsible for any unsupervised children and unsupervised children will not be allowed to participate, if found after the event they will be stricken form results. 

Also testing this year allowing Pets to be on the course. Please have you pet under control at all times. It must be on a leash at all times. If you are caught with pet off a leash or not under control we will disqualify you. You must clean up after your pet if it has a accident. Failure to do so will result in a DQ. Please use your best judgement in bringing a pet with you. Those who are not friendly around people or other pets are not welcome. We don't want animals fighting or barking during the event. Please don't make us regret allowing this o...