More than 100 run through Poland Forest today for Paczki Dash

POLAND

Runners of all ages ran through Poland Forest Saturday for a good cause.

Polish Youngstown and Vertical Runner teamed up for the first Paczki Dash 5K to benefit the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.

Nearly 130 people participated in the event Saturday. Vertical Runner is a running specialty store in McDonald, which also organizes runs.

The funds will benefit children’s programs, said library Development Director Deborah Liptak.

“The Paczki Dash is to celebrate the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent,” said Aundrea Cika, Polish Youngstown director.

Carnival is a Christian celebration preceding Lent, a period of penance and preparation leading up to Easter, the pinnacle of Christian holy days.

The run “is a perfect addition because our idea is you go running, then you go eat paczek donuts and don’t feel guilty,” Cika said.

Paczek donuts are made with yeast dough. Vodka is added to the oil , which prevents the dough from absorbing the oil. They are larger than traditional donuts.

Kravitz Delicatessen donated paczek doughnuts for every runner after the race.

Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.