The Radnor Run Is Ending After Nearly 50 Years

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — Oct. 26 will mark the end of a nearly 50-year era in Radnor Township. That's the date of the final Radnor Run.

The Radnor Run began in 1977, and due to its success by 1979 township officials sought a beneficiary for the race.

The race had become known as the Radnor Marathon by that point, despite it only being 5 miles.

That beneficiary ended up being the Delaware County Lung Association, and eventually the run came to benefit the American Lung Association.

Radnor Township Parks and Recreation Director Tammy Cohen told patch in the last 20 years alone, the event has raised roughly $1.5 million for lung cancer research.

"We have heard from people about the run and what it means to them," she said. "The American Lung Association is something that is very important to everyone. Lung cancer doesn't discriminate."

Cohen called the association's work monumental, and said it's "integral to all of us."

"[The association] has always been keen to help people who have been impacted locally by lung disease."

The end of the Radnor Run is bittersweet, she said.

But what's the impetus for calling it quits?

Cohen said the American Lung Association made the decision based on financials.

"Even though the township is at the forefront of the event," she said, "American Lung Association staff and resources are primarily used for this."

While some participants and residents may assume Radnor spearheads the event, registration, team development, and more is all handled by the association. The township still provides support in areas such as site logistics and security.

A team of about 100 people, from both the American Lung Association and the township, make the event possible.

"It came down to resource allocation across the [association]," Cohen said. "Unfortunately, that's where we are."

Runners can sign up for the 48th and final Radnor Run online here. Those who register and fundraise $25 by Oct. 1 are guaranteed to get the last Radnor Run shirt ever.

Residents who live along the course can get one free registration by using the code NEIGHBOR.

Cohen said the largest number of participants was in 2010, when 967 people ran. She hopes this final installment will see 1,000 runners.

Participants can choose from the 5-mile race, the 2-mile walk, and the 1-mile run. All five and one mile racers will receive this year's finishers' medal.

The main 5-mile race begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Radnor Township Building. Check out a race map below:

Roads along the course will begin to close at 8 a.m. Closed road will be reopened by about 10:30 a.m.

All race parking is at Radnor Financial Center, 150 N. Radnor Chester Road. Participant parking is not allowed at the township building due to limited space. Shuttles start boarding at 6:15 a.m. with first departure beginning at 6:25 a.m. The Last shuttle leaves Radnor Financial Center at 7:55 a.m.

Volunteers are sought for various roles, including:

• Course Marshal along Race Course.
• Table set up and break down.
• Table management and distribution of materials.
• Placement of signage and event equipment.
• Event greeter - sponsor, vendor, community members.
• Event management and security at footprint borders.
• Assistance with parking/vehicle management.
• Traffic Management.
• Other Select Positions As Needed.

Contact Cohen at tcohen@radnor.org or 610-688-5600, ext. 141, for more information on volunteering.

Cohen said runners love the race despite it challenges.

"It's got hills, but it features scenery through Radnor's open spaces," she said.

The run creates a sense of community through its various aspects, such as the registration and packet pickup event, the awards ceremony after the race, and the health fair on the day of the event.

While the run is ending as it currently stands, Cohen is hopeful the township will take up another cause to resume the Radnor Run at some point.

"Such a staple event that's led to so much good and positivity," she said. "We're sad to see it end, but hopeful we will find something to create those [moments of community] again."

She said while it's still early on, some organizations want to talk with township representatives about becoming the race beneficiary.

For now, Cohen said the township is looking to support similar races that benefit local organizations, such as the Radnor Township Library's Elves for the Shelves 5K and Fun Run or Hill Top Prep’s Annual Thrill on the Hill 5K.

"We want [local organizations] to have the opportunity to succeed in their events," she said.