Regional Trail Corporation plans poker run fundraiser

The Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation will hold its annual poker run on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

The walking/biking non-competitive event starts in West Newton at the Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage. Registration begins at 8 a.m., event starts at 8:30 a.m.

Trail volunteers will use proceeds to maintain, preserve and enhance the Westmoreland County section of the Great Allegheny Passage.

The run consists of a walking, jogging, wheelchair-optional, 4-mile flat course, a level 12-mile ride south along the Youghiogheny River to Smithton Beach and back, and an endurance 20-mile bike ride south along the Youghiogheny River Trail to Whitsett and back.

All cyclists must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet.

Participants walk or ride at their own pace, taking as little time as needed, or up to two hours, to finish. Along the course, they will choose playing cards to develop a poker hand. At the end of the course, each poker hand is tallied and the person with the best hand in each of the three events receives a cash prize award.

A raffle will follow, with everyone eligible to win one of more than 75 door prizes; grand prize is a bicycle.

The GAP is maintained solely by volunteers, and the poker run is the major fundraiser for maintenance of the 10.5-mile trail running through Westmoreland County, chapter members say.

Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for those age 10 and under.

Those registering before Aug. 16 will receive a T-shirt.

Entry forms are available at the Regional Trail Corporation office in West Newton, on bulletin boards along the trail, from supporting regional businesses and on the Yough Trail Chapter website.

Details: bikewytc.org or email wytcnews@hotmail.com