Hagerstown Area Religious Council Announces Annual Hike for Hunger & Hope

The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is preparing for its 14th annual “Hike for Hunger & Hope,” a fundraising event aimed at supporting its vital community programs. This year’s event, scheduled across two weekends in May 2026, offers a variety of hiking distances and locations, including the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath, providing options for participants of all fitness levels. Proceeds from the hike will directly benefit HARC’s initiatives, including Micah’s Backpack, which provides weekend meals for over 1,200 local children, and the Refugee Welcome Network, which assists new refugees in the community.

The event kicks off on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with the Ed Poling Memorial Challenge Hike on the Appalachian Trail. This year introduces a new 10-mile option in addition to the traditional 20-mile challenge. Hikers undertaking the 20-mile route will traverse approximately 20 mountainous miles starting from Boonsboro Mountain Road and concluding at Pen Mar Park in Maryland. Those opting for the 10-mile hike will have a different endpoint, with transportation provided back to their vehicles. Participants in the Challenge Hike will receive support along the trail, including a light breakfast, hearty lunch, and access to water and snack stations. The registration fee for the 20-mile challenge is $55, with the requirement to raise $200 in donations, or an option to bypass fundraising by donating $255 at registration. For the 10-mile challenge, the registration fee is also $55, with a fundraising goal of $100 or a direct donation of $155. Both challenge hikes require check-in at Pen Mar Park, with an early-bird discount available for registrations made by April 26. A registration deadline of May 8 is in place for those wishing to receive a special Challenge Hike t-shirt.

The following weekend, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, the focus shifts to the C&O Canal Towpath for the 5K and 10K hikes. This portion of the event will take place in a new location, starting and ending at Zion Lutheran Church in Williamsport, Maryland. The 5K hike follows an out-and-back route from the Williamsport Visitor’s Center/Zion Lutheran Church, while 10K participants will begin their journey at Dam Number 5 and will be shuttled to their starting point. Registration for the 5K hike is $45 for individuals and $75 for families, with check-in times at 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. The 10K hike has a registration fee of $55 for individuals and $95 for families, with an 8:00 AM check-in time. All C&O Canal hikers will conclude at Zion Lutheran Church for a post-hike lunch and celebration. An early-bird discount of $10 and a guaranteed t-shirt are offered for registrations completed by May 10. All hikers for the C&O Canal event will check in at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 35 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795. Registrations are accepted up to hike day, but t-shirt availability is not guaranteed after the early-bird deadline.

The HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope is open to all ages and is described as a non-competitive event designed to be fully supported for both casual and avid hikers. The event emphasizes scenic routes along the C&O Canal towpath, with multiple refreshment stops and a celebratory lunch upon completion. For those unable to participate in person, a virtual option allows individuals to hike on their own schedule leading up to the event.

A significant aspect of the “Hike for Hunger & Hope” is its fundraising component. The “God’s Grace Fund” is offering a matching donation, which will amplify the impact of contributions. While individual and team fundraising is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Participants can utilize a provided collection sheet or an online fundraising tool that can be set up during online registration. Prizes will be awarded to the top individual fundraiser and the top fundraising team. Additionally, any participant who engages in fundraising will be entered into a prize drawing.

Registration is available on the HARC website.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Hagerstown Area Religious Council.

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