The Eye Opener
The Eye Opener gets the year started on a happy and positive note. An excellent crowd always turns out to run the roads in the park...or the trails. In fact, most runners take to the trails, usually for a run of 6 to 7 miles. Included in those miles are several crossings of Mill Creek, without benefit of a bridge. It's all part of the tradition. An equal part of the tradition is the post-run luncheon, catered by many club members. In addition to the New Year's Eve leftovers, many types of food and beverage arrive. Veterans always bring a change of clothes, and the gatherings have occasionally lasted until the last toes go numb or until sundown, whichever comes first. Even if you're the world's biggest Mummers' fan, you can still come down to the park for a run and get home in time to see Firpo perform.
Where: Lancaster County Central Park
When: Every New Years Day, 12 Noon
What: Smith's Challenge 10K trail course or any road combo (outer perimeter roads = 10K)
What (else): many gather after to exchange new year greetings, food and beverages. Got some holiday leftovers? Bring them.
Pictures: Head to the Photo Page to see pics from different years
Directions: Below
DIRECTIONS
Entrance to Lancaster County Central Park is located on Chesapeake St. in Lancaster.
From the South: heading north into Lancaster, Rt. 272 / 222 becomes Queen St.
Turn right at first traffic light (Chesapeake St), at bottom of hill turn right into park.
From the North: Rt. 501, 222, 272, south on Lititz Pike. Over railroad bridge. Turn
left on Duke St. (first left) and follow south through town. Continue south to traffic light at Chesapeake St., turn hard right and at bottom of hill turn left into park.
