The Odd Fellows Cemetery is usually a place to rest, but on June 15, it will host a run and walk.

The “Three Links 5K Run/Walk” will raise funds for the nonprofit cemetery on Tamaqua’s west end.

“There were some people from a local running group who were asking for more runs in the Tamaqua area,” said Justin Bailey, president of the cemetery board. “There are a lot of runs in other places, but there aren’t really any in Tamaqua.”

Plus, he said, the local group was looking for a challenging course — not something flat and simple.

The 1861 Victorian garden cemetery, with its ups and downs and winding pathways, fit the bill.

“It is going to be in the cemetery but not by anyone’s graves,” explained Bailey, who is also grand secretary at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. “It will pretty much entail every road in the cemetery and most of the sidewalks on the top.”

The course will begin at the cemetery’s main entrance near Route 209 at 9 a.m. and end at the lodge hall.

Bailey will be at the cemetery at 6:30 p.m. May 24 for a walk-through to show those interested in participating in the event.

“If people want to try to practice for it or they just want to see what the path looks like, they are welcome to see it,” Bailey said.

On race day, winners will receive cash prizes and medals.

A party with a disc jockey, light food and refreshments will follow the race and be held at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Harmony Lodge on the cemetery property.

Registration deadline is June 1. There will be no registration on the day of the event. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Tamaqua/ThreeLinks5K

The cemetery will be closed during the run and walk and will reopen to visitors at 12:30 p.m.

Bailey is hoping for high participation.

Grass cutting alone at the 38-acre cemetery alone costs about $26,000 per year, and the cemetery relies mostly on donations. Funds have substantially decreased over the years.

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