Our History

Celebrating 20 Years

From the Great Grizzly to the Blaze of Glory

2007–2027

For 20 years, runners, walkers, families, volunteers and neighbors have gathered in Plumsteadville for an event built around fitness, community and giving back.

What began in 2007 as Groveland Elementary's Great Grizzly 5K has grown into today's Blaze of Glory 5K, benefiting the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company. While the name, course and look have changed over the years, the community spirit behind the race has remained.

EXPLORE OUR HISTORY ↓

2007 — The Great Grizzly

The story began in 2007 with the first Great Grizzly 5K, organized by Groveland Elementary Home and School Association.

Named for Groveland Elementary's Grizzly mascot, the event was created to encourage students, families and the surrounding community to embrace fitness and healthier lifestyles. The race brought the community together while raising funds for Groveland's programs and the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company.

From the beginning, the goal extended beyond simply running a 5K. The Great Grizzly encouraged families and neighbors to model healthy habits, gave students a fitness goal to work toward, and provided another way for the community to come together.

A TRADITION FROM THE START

The Great Grizzly included a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk alongside the 5K, establishing a tradition of making race day accessible to participants beyond the competitive 5K.

2014 — A Bigger Starting Line

Seven years after the first Great Grizzly, the race entered a new chapter when it joined the Bucks 5K Series for the 2014 season.

As the opening race of the spring series, the Great Grizzly welcomed runners from throughout Bucks County and beyond to Plumsteadville. Joining the series brought chip timing and a USATF-certified course while connecting the event with a regional commitment to racing, charitable giving, fitness and community.

By then, the Great Grizzly had become an established Plumsteadville spring tradition, bringing together students, families, athletes, businesses, community leaders, volunteers, and firefighters.

MORE THAN A 5K

From its early years, the race was about more than crossing the finish line. Participants were encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support local food pantries, a tradition that continued throughout the Great Grizzly years and into the Blaze of Glory era. It was another way race day brought the community together: promoting fitness, supporting local organizations and helping neighbors in need.

2017 — From Great Grizzly to Blaze of Glory

After a decade as the Great Grizzly, the race entered a new era in 2017 when the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company assumed responsibility for the event.

With PVFC now leading the race and proceeds directly supporting the fire company, the event received a new name and identity: the Blaze of Glory 5K.

The name reflected the race’s connection to the fire service while carrying forward the community tradition established during the Great Grizzly years, and really, who doesn’t want to finish in a Blaze of Glory?

COVID ERA

Modified in-person participation and a virtual race option allowed the tradition to continue while adjusting race day to the circumstances.

A NEW LOOK

In 2022, the Blaze of Glory introduced a new logo. The updated look brought a modern feel to the race while keeping its connection to the fire service.

OUR RACE

Through the Years

FAMILY PARTICIPATION

Family participation has been part of the race from its early years and continues today with the 1st Alarm Fun Run and 2nd Alarm Walk.

A NEW COURSE

In 2026, the Blaze of Glory introduced a new 5K course. The updated route gave runners and walkers a fresh race-day experience.

THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS AT THE STARTING LINE.

From the Great Grizzly to the Blaze of Glory, every mile of this race's history has been shaped by the people and community behind it. The names, logos and courses have changed, but the tradition has continued year after year.

After two decades of starting lines, finish lines and memories made along the way, we've reached the end of our timeline—but not the end of the story. Because after 20 years, we're still running. And the next chapter starts at the starting line.

2027 — Twenty Years Later

Twenty years after the first Great Grizzly crossed the starting line, the tradition continues. Through two names, changing logos, evolving courses and countless race mornings, the heart of this event has remained the same: fitness, community and giving back.

We recognize the race directors, committees, volunteers, sponsors, businesses, runners, walkers, families, community partners and supporters who have helped carry this tradition forward.

Some remember running the Great Grizzly. Others have only ever known the Blaze of Glory. And for some, 2027 will be their first time joining us.

However you became part of the story, we invite you to celebrate 20 years with us and help us begin the next chapter.