Ben and Tim Day

Location

• Venue: Hershey High School (Google Maps)
• Address: 550 Homestead Road, Hershey, PA 17033

Date

• Event Date: August 22, 2026

Time

• 5K Run: 9:00 AM
• 1 Mile Fun Run: 10:00 AM

Registration

• 5K Registration until June 1: $20
• 5K Registration until August 1: $25 (T-Shirts guaranteed)
• 5K Registration from August 1 – August 17: $30
• 5K Registration on August 20, 21 & 22: $35

• 1-Mile Fun Run until June 1: $10
• 1-Mile Fun Run until August 1: $12 (T-Shirts guaranteed)
• 1-Mile Fun Run from August 1-17: $15
• 1-Mile Fun Run on August 20, 21 & 22: $17

• Virtual Registration until August 18: $25 (T-Shirts guaranteed)
• Mailing Fee: $5 extra if the t-shirt is mailed after the race

Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up & Race Registration

• August 20: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Hershey High School
• August 21: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Hershey High School
• August 22: 7:00 AM – 8:40 AM at Hershey High School

Course

• 5K Course: Certified by USATF, Certified Course #15043WB
• Split Times: Provided at 1-mile and 2-mile marks of the 5K
• Refreshments: Water and fruit at the finish line
• Facilities: Showers and lockers are not available

Timing

• Timing Method: NOVA Timing Systems
• Chip Timing: Using the MyLaps disposable BibTags

Directions

• From Harrisburg Area: From 83N, go onto 322E toward Hershey. Take Ephrata Exit and proceed through 5 lights. Turn left onto Homestead Road. Hershey High is on the immediate left.
• From Lancaster Area: Take 283W to 743N (Hershey/Elizabethtown exit). Turn right and proceed approximately 6 miles on 743N to Homestead Road. Turn right onto Homestead. Cross Rte. 322E. Hershey High School is on the left.
• From Lebanon/Palmyra Area: Follow 422W to the light at Homestead Road (just before the chocolate factory). Turn left onto Homestead Road. The high school is approximately ½ mile on the right.

Awards

• Awards Ceremony: Begins at the conclusion of the Fun Run
• 5K Prizes: $200 for first place, $150 for second place, $100 for third place, $75 for fourth place, $50 for fifth place for both male and female
• Masters Winners: $50 for male and female
• Age Categories: Awards for top 3 in each category

• 5K Age Categories: 13 & Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & Over
• Fun Run/Walk: Goodie bag for all participants ages 12 and under

Event Legacy

On January 23, 1992, Ben Yupcavage and Tim Russell, both Hershey High School athletes, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. In their memory, the Yupcavage and Russell families established the Tim Russell – Ben Yupcavage Memorial Scholarship Fund. Now in its 35th year, the event which has become known as “Ben & Tim Day”, has maintained this scholarship fund in loving memory of and as a tribute to Ben and Tim.

Tim Russell exemplified the spirit of the sport of running as a leader, an inspiration, and a friend. He was as gracious in winning as he was in defeat. As a person and athlete, he possessed and demonstrated qualities that set an example for others to emulate and follow.

As a freshman, Tim became a key part of and contributor to his Cross Country Team which placed as State AA Runner Up Champions in 1989. For the next two years, Tim held the distinction of being the team’s number one runner and led the team to the State Cross Country Championship Title in 1990.

Ben, known to many as “Yuppy”, was a serious student, musician, and soccer player. Active on and off the soccer field, Ben was an honor roll student and member of the Student Council, the Yearbook and Production staff, and HHS Brass Ensemble. His love for soccer started in the first grade and continued through to varsity soccer at Hershey High where he was a standout player fiercely proud of his team and loyal to his teammates.

Off the field, Ben could be found encouraging his brother on the JV Soccer Team, assisting his little sister’s team and coach in addition to refereeing games for younger township teams. In soccer, as well as academics, Ben set a standard and displayed a passion to be admired by all who knew him.

The Yupcavage and Russell families extend their deepest appreciation to the dedicated organizers and generous sponsors of each year’s event and to countless friends and neighbors who come each year to honor and remember Ben and Tim. It is this dedication and support that enables the scholarships given in their memory to deserving Hershey High School students.

More Information

• Race Link: Ben and Tim Day Registration