On Wednesday, the 33rd annual Harrisburg Mile will take over Front Street in Harrisburg for the evening.

Kicking off at 6 p.m., the event features runners and walkers of all ages as they make their way from the Governor's Mansion on McClay and Front Streets to the finishers' line near Boas and Front Streets.

Race director Tom Gifford has volunteered at this event for the past five years, so he is more than ready to take the reigns for the first time. "I am most excited for this to continue to be a great event for the Y, the city of Harrisburg and all the individuals and families who attend. I am also excited for the 78 degree weather, so let's hope the forecast does not change," he said.

Over the past few years, runners typically raced in temperatures in the 90s.

According to Gifford, registration for this year has been "great." The popular event typically attracts close to 2,000 participants.

"One of the great things about this event is that it is accommodating for all ability levels. If a 'newbie' wants to walk, they can participate in the Fun Run at 6 p.m. This event is not timed and has a fun, casual vibe to it. If they want to run in a timed heat for their age groups, I would recommend finding a partner to run with. That way there is someone to help keep a good pace and they get to cross the finish line together," advised Gifford.

The Harrisburg Mile is a "team" effort, requiring work from the YMCA staff, volunteers and the sponsors, the Millers Mutual Group, said Gifford.

"One of my favorite things about this race is that it always feels like 'the place to be' on race night. This race has a vibe that is unlike any other race. It is a fun, positive, and enjoyable night for everyone," said Gifford.

Harrisburg resident Liz Willey, 31, agreed. "I always look forward to the Harrisburg Mile because such a wide variety of people come out. There are people trying to run as fast as they can and beat last year's time there are people who just want to walk causally. The after -arty is fun with the different food and beer tent too," she said.

For children, there will be a free Kids Corner that will feature bounce houses, t-shirt tie-dying and games.

"Part of what makes this event unique is that it has something for everyone. There is a Fun Run/Half Pint heat first that is for anyone that wants to walk or jog. The rest of the heats are accommodating to everyone from the casual runner who is doing it for fun to the elite runner who is going for a personal best," said Gifford.

"Overall, this is a wonderful event for families, casual runners, elite runners and everyone else in between," said Gifford.

While online registration is closed, there is still time to register in person. On Monday and Tuesday, there will be registration and packet pick up at Strawberry Square from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The West Shore YMCA will host registration and packet pick up from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

Listed below is a schedule of events for Wednesday.

4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Registration and packet pickup at East Shore YMCA

6:00 p.m. Fun Run/Half Pint/Mile

6:15 p.m. 15 and under

6:25 p.m. 16 to 19

6:35 p.m. 20 to 29

6:45 p.m. Corporate Mile Heat #1

6:55 p.m. Corporate Mile Heat #2

7:05 p.m. Corporate Mile Heat #3

7:15 p.m. 30 to 39

7:25 p.m. 40 to 49

7:35 p.m. 50 and older

7:45 p.m. Elite

Awards

7:30 p.m. Awards for 29 and younger

8:15 p.m. Awards for the remaining age groups