As the weather gets warmer, communities are switching into high gear for the run/walk season. Fun runs are a great way to combine physical activity with fundraising. There is no shortage of 5Ks in our area that bring people of all ages together, including the first annual Marple Newtown High School Color Run that took place last month.
Color runs in particular are a popular way to celebrate wellness and add a splash of vibrancy to their lives. On April 7, more than 150 runners of all ages and abilities gathered at MNHS for the PTO’s sponsored 5K 
Color Run and 1 mile Family Fun Walk. Along the course that took runners around the high school campus and athletic fields, runners were doused head to toe in colored power. Not only was there joy from crossing the finish line, but being colorful at the end of the race brought smiles to the runners faces!
MNHS PTO President Stacy McCauley said the PTO had been brainstorming ways to raise funds for the high school and bring the community together. “There are a lot of events at our elementary schools that bring families together and we were excited to bring one to the high school,” said Stacy. “When Superintendent Dr. Tina Kane suggested a fun run, the PTO was excited to take it on.”
The run would not have been possible without the local sponsors and donors. There were also plenty of volunteers on hand who helped manage the needs of the runners, marking the course and standing along the side to cheer on the racers. “We were so lucky to have a number of MNHS students and staff as well as parents who helped participants sign in, pick up their shirts and keep people informed,” Stacy said.
After the race, awards were given out to males and females in a number of age categories. “I love running in the Marple community,” said Mary Benko, who won the award for top female overall. “Being able to share my passion with others always brings me joy.” Stacy said that she and the PTO were excited about the positive response they received for the first Color Run and they learned a lot about organizing this type of event. “We look forward to making it an annual event and making it even bigger and better,” she said.
Runners looking for another 5K can lace up their sneakers for the 15th annual Fourth of July Firecracker Run, a Marple Newtown tradition. Sponsored by the Broomall Rotary Club, this 5K race takes place every year just before the start of the Independence Day parade. Proceeds from the run fund the club’s local charitable service projects.
Chris Dervishian, a longtime Broomall resident and Rotarian explained that the Broomall Rotary Club strives to keep this a family oriented community event with reasonable registration fees, a family registration option, and by allowing jogging strollers.
One of the other perks to the run preceding the parade is the amount of spectators cheering on the runners. “Many runners get accustomed to running alone and not seeing many spectators along a course,” Chris said. “But on the Fourth of July, West Chester Pike is lined with people waiting for the parade, so there is a big crowd there to support the runners.”
The race begins at 9:25am at West Chester Pike and Malin Rd near the Fire Station. It proceeds up West Chester Pike just beyond Bryn Mawr Avenue in Newtown Square. Runners then U-turn back to the starting point and lead the parade back to the Broomall Fire House. Following the race, awards and prizes are given out to winners in a variety of categories. Some of the top prizes have included a Timex GPS, Saucony shoes, Tifosi sunglasses, gift cards and more. For more information and to sign up for the run, visit Firecracker5KRun.com. Runners can register up to the date of the race.
Whether you’re new to running, a seasoned runner or looking to run for a good cause, there are plenty of local runs this season. Visit HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org, RuntheDay.com or RunningInTheUSA.com for a list of runs in the Delaware County area, including the upcoming Media 5 Miler and a Schoener Music Man 5K.