If a four-mile run makes you think of the Phantom of the Opera, firefighters, and Utica Club, then no doubt you've already signed up for the second running of Run 4 the Hills.
If you haven't, there's still time-but it's running out fast.
The deadline to be one of the 250 runners-or walkers-in the Sharon Springs benefit for the Carlisle Fire Department and Rescue Squad and the Hero Fund America is midnight, April 15.
Race date is Saturday, May 2, 9am, with both the starting and finish lines and the post-race party taking place at The American Hotel on Main Street.
All registration is being done online; go to www.active.com to sign up.
Run 4 the Hills is the creation of marathon runner Garth Roberts, who was inspired by the tragic events at the 2013 Boston Marathon and by emergency workers' response.
Mr. Roberts' plans are to divide each year's proceeds between a local fire department or rescue squad-last year was Sharon's turn; this year the race will benefit the Carlisle Fire Department and Rescue Squad-and his own Hero Fund, which also recognizes and supports first responders.
Last year's race was capped at 150 runners, but there's room for an additional 100 this year.
The race travels a hilly course through the back streets of Sharon Springs and that's just one of the reasons organizers go out of their way to make it fun.
"The race course is just ridiculous. It's brutal," Mr. Roberts said. "But we wanted to bring people into the Village of Sharon Springs and that's what we have. You can only go down-but then you have to come back up. SO we try to mix thing up a bit."
With that in mind, Ted Keegan, a college friend of Mr. Roberts' with a "big, beautiful voice," who's traveled the country as the Phantom of the Opera, will be starting the race with the national anthem.
Afterwards, post-race festivities will include hot dogs and popcorn and Utica Club donated by the Saranac Brewer, and there will be music.
Also, New Balance has donated sneakers for the first male and female runners and walkers back.
"It's all just a way to pay it forward," Mr. Roberts said. "Even if you're not a runner, come out and cheer everyone on. We promise a good time for a great cause."