Mark your calendar for the return of the third annual Back Mountain Trail 5K. Once again, Luzerne and the rail-trail route connecting the town with Trucksville and Dallas will kick off another new year with this popular charitable race that has quickly become a NEPA New Year’s Eve racing-culture tradition.

The route for the Back Mountain 5K begins in Luzerne, with participants weaving through the downtown, past the charming Main Street shops and restaurants still aglow in holiday lights and décor, before continuing along the mostly flat, earthen Back Mountain Trail.

Last year, over 550+ runners converged on the quaint community nestled between Kingston and Dallas to end the year on a healthy note. This year, they expect even more. The family-friendly walk/race, organized and timed by NEPA Racing, has grown year after year thanks to its celebratory atmosphere and charitable contributions. And the sweatshirts. Because if you know, you know. Whole families, race veterans, racing newbies and plenty of local high school and college students come out to wish a fond farewell to the old year and usher in the New Year with a race that’s all for a good cause.

With a 4 p.m. start time, the Back Mountain 5K gives everyone, including families with young children, the chance to join in and still have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of New Year’s Eve celebrations that are part of their yearly traditions. The festive atmosphere, punctuated with tunes from a DJ, and the celebratory mood around the event are the perfect pre-party to your evening’s festivities.

And all money raised goes back to local nonprofits. Last year, the group that organized and hosted the new Back Mountain Triathlon, gave away over $25,000 to charity from this one-day event. This year, they hope to give more thanks to the community’s support.

Eighteen local nonprofits including North Branch Land Trust, Dallas Rotary, Dallas Kiwanis, Food Dignity, Back Mountain Regional Fire/EMS, Luzerne Borough Fire & Ambulance, Dallas High School Cross Country and the Back Mountain Trail, among others, have already been named beneficiaries.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with family this New Year’s Eve, the Back Mountain 5K is a great event giving back to our local communities, one race at a time. Registration is open now. Deadline to receive the ever-popular hoodie, designed and donated by Wet Paint Printing + Design, is Wednesday, December 13th.