EBENSBURG — There’s still time to register for this year’s Chernisky Classic, an annual race benefiting firefighters that takes place Saturday on the Ghost Town Trail, Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky said.

Every year, 100% of proceeds from the 5K walk/run and 10K run are donated to the Cambria County Regional Firefighters Association, which represents about 80 fire departments throughout a 10-county region — including Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties.

Last year’s event raised nearly $13,000, according to Chernisky, who said the proceeds benefit the upkeep of the association’s training site in East Carroll Township, so firefighters can train there and learn how to protect other people’s lives and property.

“One of the reasons we do this is to bring attention to the firefighters, the men and women,” Chernisky said. “When things go wrong, they are the front lines. They go out and save lives, and we need to protect their lives while they’re saving lives.”

Now in its 12th year, the Chernisky Classic promises to turn Saturday into an exciting, fun-filled day for its participants, who will start and finish the race at the Young People’s Community Center, Chernisky said.

Over the years, people have asked organizers whether they could start their walk or run early. The answer is yes, Chernisky said, noting the event’s rolling start is back by popular demand.

Participants wishing to start early can do so from 6:45 to 9 a.m., but they will not be officially timed or eligible for prizes, Chernisky said.

The competitive race for the 5K and 10K runs will begin about 9:05 a.m., according to Chernisky, adding the first five male and female runners who finish will receive a trophy made locally by Tackett’s by the Lake, a metal workshop near Prince Gallitzin State Park.

In addition, the first 400 runners to finish the race will receive a voucher to a Johnstown Tomahawks game for the 2026-27 season, Chernisky said.

A free firecracker race, for children up to 8 years old, will take place about 10:20 a.m.

Online registration includes a commemorative race T-shirt and is available for $28 through Friday at www.tinyurl.com/CCRUN2026. Same-day registration will be available for $33, though a shirt is not guaranteed.

Chernisky said ghost participants — people who wish to make a donation to the association by registering but do not plan to participate in the event — should register online or complete a paper application at Up-N-Running of Ebensburg, 208 W. High St., by Friday.

Josh Petrisko, president of the Cambria County Regional Firefighters Association, said the association greatly appreciates the community’s support as the event’s proceeds allow them to keep the fire school academy site up to the best standard.

“The funding helps out. Every year there’s new projects that get taken care of,” Petrisko said.

John Hawksworth, a site coordinator and teacher at the fire school, said the association has about

25 acres of property to maintain at the site.

It took two people about five hours to cut the site’s grass Monday, Hawksworth said, noting the association uses proceeds from the Chernisky Classic to do things like buy fuel and new firefighting equipment.

“It’s a training facility to get young firefighters ready to become old firefighters, and it takes a lot of money to do it,” Hawksworth said.

Since firefighters are offered a discounted rate to participate in the race wearing their turnout gear, Chernisky said participating in the race is a great way to have conversations with first responders and thank them for what they do.

The event is also a recruitment tool for firefighters, as participants often ask how they can get involved or support departments, Chernisky said.

Hawksworth stressed the importance of supporting firefighters in other ways.

“Don’t forget your local fire departments, especially in this hot weather,” Hawksworth said. “A case of bottled water at their fire station would be greatly appreciated.”

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.