CRANBERRY TWP — The community-based 5k was in the works for months.

Then the coronavirus hit.

So the Cranberry Township Police Association adjusted — and the association's first-ever 5k is now a virtual event.

“I grew up in a police family,” race director Christy Wilson said. “I'm a former police officer, my husband is a Cranberry Township police officer, my father was a police chief.

“How did I become director of this event? I raised my hand and volunteered.”

The Cranberry Township Police Association has existed for roughly eight years. It consists of the 30 CT police officers and their families.

Association dues pay for the membership's Butler County Fraternal Order of Police union dues, funds an annual Christmas party for the officers and their families, helps run the Coats for Kids program through elementary schools in the area, provides scholarships to high school seniors, etc.

“We don't publicize much of what we do, but we help wherever it's needed,” Association President Rob Capezio said.

That includes helping a member's family financially, should it be dealing with an illness causing an officer to miss work. If there is a death in a member's family, the association handles the flower arrangements through a local florist.

“We're all not family by blood, but we're definitely all family,” Wilson said.

All funds from the 5k will go to the association. Cost to enter the race is $29 for adult individuals, $20 for students 18 and under.

Participants may run or walk the 5k distance anytime, anywhere, and submit their results from July 3-11. Finisher medals, gift cards and long sleeve t-shirts are among the prizes.

Registration information can be found by googling Cranberry Township Police Association Virtual 5K. Capezio said the association hopes to draw 200 to 250 runner/walkers.

Wolf Creek Race Management is helping to run the virtual 5k. It will tabulate results.

“We've helped a number of organizations with virtual races this year,” Andrew Mascio of Wolf Creek Race Management said. “With the pandemic, virtual races have been the way to go.

“We've helped Mars track and cross country, the Pittsburgh Zoo, helped with a triathlon series ... We've probably assisted eight virtual races or so this year.”

Mascio said some live races in the region will return by the end of July.

of July.

Capezio emphasized the importance of the association's first 5k taking place in some way this summer.

“We need that sense of community,” he said. “At some point, we want to set up a community day in one of the township parks, with a food truck, DJ, things like that.

“Our organization is at the point where we're more comfortable, self-sufficient. We're looking to expand our membership to include more retired officers. We're here to help people.”

T-shirts and finisher medals will be available for local pick-up two weeks after conclusion of the race. Race items will be mailed to those participants not within driving distance.