First, the rage was the Iron Man Competition. Then it was Tough Mudder. But on July 14th at 12:30 pm, it will be the 22nd annual Belt Sander Racers. Yes, you read that right: Belt Sander Races, where men and women place their posteriors atop of Black and Decker style shop belt sanders, have their team ready to follow alongside the over 40-foot plywood race track to guide the cords and wait for “Racers. Are you Ready?”

Anne and Peter Thomas, proprietors of Bertie’s Inn, located at 160 Old Friedensburg Road in Exeter Township began hosting this unusual event 22 years ago in an effort to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Since their first race, they have raised over $300,000. Not bad for an event that is not only unusual but seldom advertised. They have been successful mainly by word of mouth of loyal patrons and the sport. A $50 entry fee for the event is due by July 10 to Bertie’s Inn and spectators are asked to make a monetary donation of their choice to the NMSS either at the event or at www.bertiesinn.com via a NMSS link. T-shirts will be sold and all proceeds raised from food & T-Shirt sales will be donated. Contact Anne or Peter at 610-370-9191 to register for the race.

Multiple Sclerosis is considered an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system of adults; though in recent years, there has been a rise in children being diagnosed. Researchers do not have an exact cause though several theories have been introduced over the years to include genetics and environmental issues.