RADNOR — Lace up those running shoes. Registration is now open for the 45th Annual Radnor Run on Sunday, Oct. 30, starting in front of the Radnor Township Building.
This year’s fundraising goal is $125,000 to support research, advocacy and education for lung diseases, including lung cancer and COVID-19.
With an approximate 8:45 a.m. start time, participants will compete in a timed and certified 5-mile race on a challenging course beginning at Radnor Township’s Encke Park and continuing through the scenic backroads of Wayne. In addition, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a 1-Mile Run for all ages will take place. Then at about 9 a.m., there will be an untimed 2 Mile Trail Walk for all ages on the stroller/wheelchair accessible Radnor Trail.
Registrants can also opt to participate virtually in their own neighborhoods.
All registered participants are encouraged to follow the Radnor Run Facebook page for training tips and event updates.
“The Radnor Run is around the corner and we are excited to have our running community join us at the Radnor Run Township building for the 45th Annual event,” said Caroline Hutchinson, Executive Director for the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania. “Runners have a deep appreciation for the ability to breathe and overall lung health—and this event is critical to help raise funds and awareness for lung diseases like lung cancer and COVID-19 as well as improve the air we breathe.”
Money raised through the Radnor Run supports lung disease research through the American Lung Association. This year, the Lung Association funded 101 research projects for a total of $12.6 million. Locally, the association is funding two researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center – Johnathan Whetstine, Ph.D,. and Alfonso Bellacosa, M.D., M.H.S., through their Lung Cancer Discovery Award. Participation and donations also support local advocacy and education for clean air, tobacco use including vaping, COVID-19, COPD, lung cancer and asthma.
Radnor Township is an Event Partner of the Radnor Run. In fact, Radnor Township initiated the event in 1977 and called it “The Marathon Run,” according to Tammy Cohen, Director of Parks and Recreation. In 1979, said Cohen, the township designated the Delaware County Chapter of the American Lung Association as the beneficiary of the event’s proceeds.
Cohen said the event’s long-standing mission to fight lung cancer and other lung diseases is a big reason why the annual Radnor Run is a popular area event. “It really creates an opportunity to come together,” she pointed out.
In addition to the township, the race is supported by many community sponsors, including IM | Health, Penn Medicine and Brandywine Realty Trust.
For many involved in the event – whether as a runner/walker or an organizer – raising funds for lung-disease education and research is a driving-force.
“I’ve been involved with the American Lung Association and the Radnor Run in particular for several years now,” said major fundraiser Paul O’Connor, Radnor Run Committee chairman and co-founder and partner of Apt Management. “As both a resident and business owner in Radnor Township, it is such a tremendous honor to support and raise funds for this incredible community event that provides such wide-reaching good for the world.”
New this year, the American Lung Association and Radnor Township will recognize the fastest male runner with the Emlen Tunnell Trophy. Tunnell grew up in the Garrett Hill section of Radnor and graduated from Radnor High School in 1942. He went on to play football at the University of Toledo and the University of Iowa. After college, Tunnell became a 9-time Pro Bowler and earned NFL championships as a defensive back for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. He was also the first full-time African American assistant coach as well as the First African-American and first defensive player enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He also served in the US Coast Guard during World War II and earned its highest honor, the Silver Lifesaving Medal.
The annual race Packet Pick-Up Party will be hosted on Friday, Oct. 28 by IM | Health and held at their newly constructed three-story brick office building at 372 W. Lancaster Avenue in Wayne. Participants can pick up their T-shirt and race bib to avoid morning-of-event lines. Pick-Up Party attendees will be provided with complimentary drinks and snacks, a facility tour and meet and greet opportunities.
Registration is online at Lung.org/radnorrun. The fee for the event is $35 for the 5-Mile Race, $20 for the 2-Mile Trail Walk, and $15 for the 1 Mile Run. Participants who raise $100 or more will have their name placed on a star at the start/finish area Wall of Fame.
