For the City Times

PITTSVILLE – For the 36th straight year, the Pittsville Fire Company will host its annual Heart & Sole Road Race on July 3 in Riverside Park, Pittsville, as a kick off to the community’s Fourth of July celebration.

“The 7 p.m. Sunday race regularly attracts 600 runners and walkers from around the state which benefits the Pittsville Fire Department and EMS,” an event release stated.

“The festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with a free kids quarter mile fun run.  Runners and walkers (strollers are welcome) can choose from a 2 mile or 5 mile route beginning at 7 p.m. sharp.  This is a chip-timed event with age group awards from age 13 to 70 plus.  Both courses are out and back, flat and fast, with water stations along the way.

Participants can pre-register online by July 1 at pittsvilleheartandsole.com to guarantee a 2022 race t-shirt.  Race day registration begins at 5 p.m. at Riverside Park.

“The Heart and Sole is our biggest fundraiser of the year.  Proceeds from registrations and the 40 plus business and personal sponsors fund two Pittsville High School scholarships and help purchase equipment for both Fire and EMS services.  Over the years we’ve established a great partnership with the Race Committee and close to a hundred volunteers,” stated Jerry Minor, Pittsville Fire Company chief.

Post-race, participants can enjoy free refreshments and food, live music, and carnival rides.