Valley Cottage, NY – The Library Association of Rockland County will bring runners, walkers and library supporters together at Rockland Lake State Park for its second annual LARC in the Park 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18.
The event will be held at Rockland Lake State Park, located at 299 Rockland Lake Road in Valley Cottage. The 5K will take participants around the lake, with both runners and walkers welcome to participate. Strollers are also permitted on the course.
Proceeds from the event will support the LARC Scholarship Fund, which assists association members pursuing a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. Funds will also support professional development opportunities for LARC members.
LARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports and promotes Rockland County’s 17 public libraries through scholarships, continuing education, advocacy and other programs aimed at supporting public library services throughout the county.
Race-day activities will begin at 9 a.m. when registration opens. A free “Dewey Decimal Dash” mini race for children ages 10 and younger will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the main 5K Run/Walk at 10 a.m.
An awards ceremony will take place immediately following the 5K. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three finishers in each age group.
The first 150 people to register for the event will receive a pair of brightly colored library-themed socks.
Registration for the 5K is available online only. Participants can register through the LARC in the Park 2026 page at https://runsignup.com/larcinthepark2026 or by searching for “LARC in the Park 5K” on RunSignup. Registration will remain open until 9:45 a.m. on race day.
Participants and visitors should note that pets are not permitted at Rockland Lake State Park for the event.
The 5K is sponsored in part by Frontline Data Services, Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office, Mutual of America Financial Group, Ascape Landscape & Construction, The Academy for Martial Arts in Orangeburg, HUB International Insurance, Rockland News Inc., Clancy Relocation & Logistics, Friends of the Rose Memorial Library and Friends of the Valley Cottage Library.
The event has also received personal donations from members of the library boards of trustees in Tappan, Palisades, West Nyack and Nyack.
The race returns for its second year following the creation of LARC in the Park as a community event combining support for Rockland County libraries with outdoor recreation at Rockland Lake State Park. Organizers are inviting library supporters of all ages to participate, either by running or walking the 5K.
The event will take place during the fall season, with the course following the path around Rockland Lake. In addition to raising money for scholarships and professional development, the event provides an opportunity for residents from across Rockland County to support the county’s public library system.
The complete race-day schedule begins with registration at 9 a.m., followed by the children’s Dewey Decimal Dash at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk at 10 a.m. The awards ceremony will begin after participants complete the 5K.
Additional race information is available at https://rocklandlibraries.org and through the LARC in the Park event page on RunSignup. Questions about the event can also be directed to the LARC 5K Committee at larc5k@rocklandlibraries.org.