Let's Meet the Blaze of Glory 5K!

In this week's edition of "Get to Know Us" we asked the Blaze of Glory 5K and Plumsteadville Fire Company teams to tell us a little bit about their race and share some behind the scenes info about the 2025 race. A big thank you to the Blaze crew for their time and for organizing this amazing event!

Meet the Blaze of Glory 5K

We provide fire and rescue services to the community. We are a 501c nonprofit. Fire Tax funds only cover 48% of our income, so we use fundraisers to bring in the other 52%. The Blaze of Glory race is our largest fundraiser each year. Donations through our fund drive letter or just donations from the community's kindness provide the balance. The largest misconception hindering our fundraising efforts is that many community members are unaware that volunteers provide fire and rescue services. Most believe that we are paid by their taxes and employed by the towns where we live. We also perform fire prevention demonstrations at two elementary schools, one middle school, one private school, and many childcare facilities during the year. We are present at business openings and township events as well.

On average, how many fire calls did Plumsteadville Fire Company respond to each year?

On average, we run 350 fire calls a year.

How many volunteer fire members does Plumsteadville Fire Company have?

We have 45 all volunteer members of the fire company.

How many years has there been the Blaze of Glory race?

2022 was our 15th year.

How did you come up with the name Blaze of Glory?

In 2017 the name was changed to Blaze of Glory to emphasize that the fire company was solely in charge of the race, and all of the proceeds would go to the fire company. Who doesn't want to finish in a Blaze of Glory?

What inspired you to have the Blaze of Glory race?

The race started as a joint fundraiser with the Groveland Elementary School HAS to foster community involvement with the kids and parents of Groveland Students.

What have you done with the proceeds from the previous races?

Over 15 years, the Blaze of Glory race has raised over $131,000 towards the construction of a new firehouse at route 611 and Ferry Road.

What are your goals going forward?

Future proceeds of the race will go towards renovations at our main fire station where the race is hosted. We would love to grow the participation of kids in our first alarm fun run.

Any changes we can expect for 2025?

Brand new for 2025! We're excited to offer up a new distance event - 2nd Alarm Walk - this new distance is a 1.7 mile walk that explores some of the newest walking paths in Plumstead township!