Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
ONE FOR THE BOOKS
Raises record $80K for Valley Forge National Historical Park
The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board raised a record $80,000 for Valley Forge National Historical Park through funds from the 18th annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run (Rev Run) and 2-mile walk.
More than 1,200 runners and walkers from 19 different U.S. states competed in this year’s hybrid event contributing to the record-breaking donation. One hundred percent of race proceeds benefit Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Since its inception in 2006, Rev Run has raised almost $700,000 for park infrastructure improvement projects and programming to enhance visitor experience. Funds from this year’s event will be going towards sign and park furnishings to improve wayfinding signs and navigation throughout the park ahead of America 250 celebrations in 2026.
Pre-event remarks at a Start Line Experience, hosted by Highmark Blue Shield kicked off the 5-mile race and 2-mile walk. “Highmark Blue Shield is proud to partner with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board as a sponsor of the Valley Forge Revolutionary Run/Walk,” said Ken Lawrence, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Highmark Blue Shield in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Highmark is dedicated to healthier, brighter, stronger communities, and stepping up for one of our region’s premier races and our local national treasure, Valley Forge Historical Park, demonstrates that commitment.”
The exclusive Finish Line Experience, sponsored by Elmwood Park Zoo, hosted post-race festivities including food and beer trucks, a plein air artist, and more. “Elmwood Park Zoo is proud to be a sponsor once again for this amazing event,” said Elmwood Park Zoo’s President and CEO Al Zone. “We support Rev Run every year, but the Zoo is even more excited this year as it helps us kick off our 100th Anniversary celebration.”
All participants received a finisher medal or walk challenge coin, and a Revolutionary Run commemorative t-shirt. Cash prizes with a purse totaling $1,400 were awarded to the top three male and female finishers of the in-person portion of the race. New this year, the top three male and female finishers for each age group were awarded a pair of Go
odr running sunglasses. The VFTCB was also proud to host its oldest runner to date, an 89-year-old.
In addition to the in-person events, the VFTCB offers a virtual component of the race, which coincides with National Park Week, where registrants can participate virtually from anywhere in the world between April 21 and April 28.
Valley Forge National Historical Park has a significant economic impact on the region, generally contributing $36 million and several hundred jobs to the local economy.
More information regarding the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run can be found at www.revolutionaryrun.org or by following along on social media: @ValleyForgeRevolutionaryRun, @VisitValleyForge (Facebook), and @VisitValleyForge (Instagram).