By Hayden Schultz, New Castle News

Riders and foodies alike will gather Friday for the Donut Dash at Apple Castle, and on Saturday for the Tour de Donut at Westminster College, for the unlikely combination of doughnuts and athletics.

At 6 p.m. Friday, the Donut Dash kicks off the weekend in the form of a 5K hosted at Apple Castle, accompanied by food and drink.

The Tour de Donut will follow Saturday morning with starting times ranging from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The roughly 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-mile-long courses run through the Amish countryside, beginning and ending at Westminster, and featuring free doughnut stops along the way.

Registration is $35 for Friday’s 5K and Saturday’s bike routes. Children run free on Friday for the 100- and 400-yard dashes. Online registration ends 24 hours before each event, but same-day registration is available by cash or check only.

Although the quickest time in each event will receive a prize, those who manage to eat a dozen doughnuts while completing any of the courses also will receive a yet-to-be announced “commemorative souvenir” made by Penn Ohio Clay Guild. Those 12 and under only need to consume half a dozen doughnuts to receive the souvenir.

In its eighth iteration, the Tour de Donut’s goal remains the same: to help drive positive change in New Wilmington, dedicating the funds from the races toward “community building efforts and green initiatives,” according to the Tour de Donut website.

“We just kind of encourage what’s here,” said event organizer Tyler Cathcart, referring to New Wilmington’s countryside scenery as well as local businesses collaborating with the event.

This year’s funds will go toward four new green spaces around New Wilmington. The funds have previously resulted in new bike racks to local businesses, funding for youth and community engagement programs, refreshing of sidewalks, benches and flower beds.

Eight years ago, in the Tour de Donut’s first race, the event drew roughly 200 people. That number rose to almost 500 last year.

Cathcart said New Wilmington Economic Development Corporation, LIVE New Wilmington and Westminster College were crucial in the race’s inception and operation, as well as the event’s several sponsors.

According to Cathcart, the Tour de Donut has been a success for New Wilmington’s community and businesses, but more importantly, it has brought people together to enjoy good food and the beautiful countryside.

“The whole premise is not to just raise a bunch of money,” he said. “(The New Wilmington area) is beautiful and you just want to share that with everyone else.” Some new additions to this year’s race are new and unique souvenirs, merchandise, improved route safety and additional doughnut stop signs.

To register, visit the Tour de Donut Facebook page or website at nwtourdedonut.com.

Hayden Schultz is a student at Slippery Rock University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Hayden is interning with the New Castle News.