2024 Kennett Run Event Guide

The Kennett Run 2024: Bringing the people to the people’s race

Kennett Run Charities gifts $19,900 to 12 agencies Course map

The Kennett Run: By the community, for the community 2024 Kennett Run information

The 2023 Kennett Run 2024 Kennett Run sponsors The 2023 Kennett Run in photos

2023-24 Kennett Run Charities Board of Directors In Memoriam

Kennett Run 2024: Bringing the people to the people’s race

Extended Party in the Park will

serve as prelude

to Cinco de Mayo celebration

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Onthe first Saturday of every May in the Borough of Kennett Square, a semi-formal invitation extends itself to every neighbor, friend, business and organization in southern Chester County to join in the celebration of what is becoming among the largest block parties in southern Chester County.

It has been this way since the Kennett Run first kicked off in 1989, and as the finishing touches are applied to this year’s race on May 4, there is already reason to believe that this year’s event will unfurl that same welcome carpet to what has become the people’s race – only bigger.

In what has become a new tradition, more than 900 runners and walkers will kick off this year’s Kennett Run at 9 a.m. in Anson B. Nixon Park before hundreds of supporters, and then navigate their way through the borough along State Street before heading their way back to the park. After all competitors cross the finish line – from 10K runners to youngsters completing a Kids Pond run – this year’s Party in the Park will be extended to include award ceremonies, musical performances, children’s activities, vendor booths and:

• Performances by pep bands from Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford and Unionville high schools, who will

not only play in the park but along the race route through the borough

• A local high school mascot sprint race featuring the Red Devil from Avon Grove, the Blue Demon from Kennett, the Hornet from Oxford and the Longhorn from Unionville

• Musical performances provided by Pollock Music Lessons in Kennett Square, featuring New Jersey musician Matt DeFilippo and

• Employee areas sponsored by CQ Medical and Chatham Financial

The annual Party in the Park serves as a deferential

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The 2024 Kennett Run’s annual post-race celebration will be extended on May 4 and include several new events.

The People’s Race...

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wave of a hand that says to area residents, “This is your race, and we invite you to take part in it.”

“We’re confident that these new additions will help draw even more people to the park,” said Bob Merkle, Kennett Charities president. “When the Kennett Run began, we started it along North Union Street, but largely the course avoided downtown Kennett Square. We made the decision a few years ago to run through downtown, as a way of involving so many of our partners and businesses our competitors run past.

“Our intention has always been – and will always be – to then lead the race’s supporters who line the streets to follow the runners back to the park and join the party. Perhaps more than any other year, the 2024 post-race celebration will have something for all generations to enjoy.”

The race organizers’ decision to lengthen this year’s Party in the Park also brings two Kennett Square traditions together. After the Party in the Park concludes at 1 p.m., those in attendance will be able to join Casa Guanajuato at its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration along State Street, an annual event that celebrates

and honors the vibrant Hispanic culture in Chester County with a day of music, traditional dances, Hispanic food and community unity.

“We’re advertising this collaboration as a Day in Kennett,” Merkle said. “This will be an opportunity for everyone to bring their friends and family and have a good time. ‘Small Town, Big Race, Strong Community’ has been our slogan for many years, and we have been slowly working toward increasing the community’s attendance with each passing race.

“We’re always reinventing the Kennett Run, changing the pattern in order to add different components, but our focus has always been on our community and the area where we all live.”

This year’s Kennett Run will begin at 9 a.m. and its Party in the Park will conclude at 1 p.m., which will be followed by the Cinco de Mayo celebration, which will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. along State Street. To learn more about the 2024 Kennett Run and to register for the 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, 5K or 10K PoweRun, 1-mile Run/Walk or Kids Fun Run, visit www.kennettrun.com.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com.

One of the most popular features of the course race takes competitors through the streets of the Kennett Square Borough.

This year’s race is expected to draw hundreds of non-competitors who will not only provide vocal and visual support, but enjoy participation at the Kennett Run’s Party in the Park.

From the Nov. 8, 2023 Chester County Press:

Kennett Run Charities gifts $19,900 to 12 agencies

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

With the season of giving soon to be here, Kennett Run Charities – the fundraising wing of the annual Kennett Run – got a recent jump on the holidays by awarding a total of $19,900 to one dozen area agencies at its annual presentation meeting on Nov. 2 at the Kennett Library.

Those organizations receiving contributions were: A Child’s Light ($2,000); Arts Holding Hands & Hearts, Inc. ($1,500); Camp Dreamcatcher ($1,400); Kennett After School Association/After the Bell ($2,000); Kennett Education Foundation ($1,500); Meals on Wheels of Chester County, Inc. ($2,000); the New London Counseling Center ($1,000); the Rotary Club of Kennett Square ($1,500); The Barn at Spring Brook Farm ($2,000); the Unionville Community Fair ($1,000); Walk in kNowledge ($2,000); and Young Moms ($2,000).

Since its founding in 1989, Kennett Run Charities has raised more than $1.25 million for organizations throughout southern Chester County.

In his presentation before recipient agencies and race sponsors, Kennett Run President Robert Merkle said that the 2023 Kennett Run – held on May 6 – raised over $30,000 for the Kennett Square community, as well as the $2,500 investment Kennett Run Charities made to improve trail conditions in Anson B. Nixon Park prior to the event. In addition, the organization is investing $7,800 in high school sports booster programs to help fund equipment needs, create scholarship opportunities and increase student participation.

Merkle said that through effective marketing – due in part to Kennett Charities’ partnership with Launch Collective and Chavez Communications – the Kennett Run increased its runner registrations by 22 percent this year in comparison to 2022, about seven percentage points greater than what other charitable

at the

receive grants from Kennett Run Charities that will assist their respective organizations. The fundraising wing of the annual Kennett Run has raised over $1.25 million for area agencies since its founding 34 years ago.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Representatives from one dozen area agencies gathered

Kennett Library on Nov. 2 to

races across the U.S. are recording.

“I feel confident in saying the runners had a much better time this year than in 2022,” Merkle said. “The 5K race time dropped by about a minute, and the 10K times by over 2 minutes. The PoweRunners had a similar improvement. I’m sure the wonderful weather had a lot to do with the faster times.

“We do a lot of our social media marketing in conjunction with the Ches-Mont league high schools. I think the effectiveness of this for us is shown by the outsized increase we experienced in runners between 14 and 19, and 30 to 49 years old.”

The following sponsors of the Kennett Run were also recognized for their long-time support of the

fundraising event: Brutcher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly; Café Americana 2; Chadds Ford Climate Control; Chatham Financial; Chavez Communications; Chester County Eye Care; Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists; Kendal Crosslands Communities; Launch Design Collective; Mercer Restoration/Aureus Group; Perna & Abracht, LLC; Phillips Mushroom Farms; Pollock Music Lessons, LLC; Qfix/Civco; SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford; Sinton Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.; Taylor Oil & Propane; The Tri-M Group, LLC; The 2SP Group; and WSFS.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com.

2024 Course Map

The Kennett Run: By the community, for the community

From local organizations to youth groups to civic-minded initiatives, the impact of the Kennett Run has been an immeasurable reminder that charity begins at home. The sounds of the Kennett Run are heard everywhere – the pounding of feet along the race route, the cheering encouragement of neighbors who gather every year, the engagement of Kennett Charities to develop partnerships, and of course, the voices of those whose lives have been enriched through its annual contributions.

Here are just a few of the many organizations in Southern Chester County who wish to say to Kennett Run Charities, “Thank You.”

“Mighty Writers is grateful for the Kennett Run’s support because we can continue to impact the lives of the students we serve at our afterschool program and their families in a positive way.

Sara Dickens Trillo, Director of Operations Mighty Writers

““After-The-Bell is grateful for the Kennett Run’s support because it has given us the ability to provide afterschool activities to thousands of Kennett Middle School students that has keep them safe, active and engaged for almost 25 years!

Paola Rosas, Executive Director

After-the-Bell

AHHAH is grateful for the Kennett Run Charities’ support for AHHAH and the Chester County Imagination Library (CCIL). AHHAH has enrolled over 7,800 (birth to 5-years old) children who are receiving a free book every month in the mail. Thank you, Kennett Run Charities for supporting AHHAH and children’s literacy.

Jan Michener, President Arts Holding Hands & Hearts

Meals on Wheels of Chester County greatly appreciates the faithful support of the Kennett Run Charities organization. Their funds have helped purchase hot, nutritious meals for homebound seniors in the Kennett Square, Avondale and West Grove areas since 2013. We are grateful for our partnership with the Kennett Run to make sure no senior goes hungry!

Jeani D. Purcell, Director Meals on Wheels of Chester County

“The Kennett Run has been building a stronger community inside and out for many years, and it has supported the Unionville Community Fair by helping the fair be able to reach its 100th Centennial in 2024. In 2022 we had 4,192 exhibits, and in 2023 we had 9,671! Exhibitors wouldn’t have had their ribbons last year without the Kennett Run’s grant.

Lindsay Yates, President Unionville Community Fair

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The Kennett Run has supported YoungMoms’ mission by providing funding for our Mentoring and Advocacy Program. The mission of this program is to provide culturally competent and comprehensive support through a combination of individualized case management, life skills instruction, one-to-one mentoring, and community building activities. Our program’s success has been made possible by local support like we have found with Kennett Run Charities!

Mary Hewes, Executive Director YoungMoms

“

The Kennett Run makes DREAMS COME TRUE for the children served by Camp Dreamcatcher. Over the past sixteen years, the Kennett Run has sponsored TWENTY children to attend our therapeutic camp session for HIV/AIDS impacted youth.

Patti Hillkirk, Founder Camp Dreamcatcher

Local support from the community enables us to continue our mission of providing education grants to teachers and scholarships to graduating seniors in the Kennett Consolidated School District. Kennett Education Foundation is proud to be a Partner in Education with the Kennett Run and grateful for their loyal support. Local helping Local, a winning combination!

Ann Schlitz, President Kennett Education Foundation

2024 Kennett Run Information

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

6 a.m. Anson B. Nixon Park opens

6:30 a.m. Race Registration and packet pickup begin; runners may pick up their shirts and bibs

7:30 a.m. Roads through Kennett Square close (State St. from N Walnut St. to Mill Rd., and N Walnut St. from State St. to Anson Nixon Park entrance)

7 a.m. PoweRunners start their exercise

8:20 a.m. Last bus pickup from the borough garage (in front of alley back to the garage) before races

8:30 a.m. Registration closes; N.Walnut Street closes out to Route 926, last bus pickup from the high school and municipal parking lots

8:45 a.m. Runner shirt and bib distribution stops

8:45 a.m. Bands start to play along the State St. part of the course (Library second floor deck, intersection of State and Union St., in parking lot in front of El Ranchero)

9 a.m. 10K race starts; (est. end time is 10:15 a.m.); beverage and food are available for runners

RACES

•5K PoweRun – PoweRunners either perform bench presses or pull-ups prior to running in the 5K. Each lift completed reduces running times by 30 seconds

9:20 a.m. 5K race starts (est. end time is 10:20 a.m.)

9:25 a.m. 1-mile walk/run starts (est. end time is 9:45 a.m.)

10:25 a.m. Kids Pond Run starts (est. end time is 10:10 a.m.)

10:30 a.m. Race results announcements start (approximate time, actual will be after last 5K/10K runner has finished); beer service starts

10:45 a.m. Mascot race starts

11:00 a.m. Live music starts

1:00 p.m. Race day concludes

Kids Pond Run

•10K PoweRun – PoweRunners either perform bench presses or pull-ups prior to running in the 10K. Each lift completed reduces running times by 1 minute

TERRAIN

Course surfaces for this year’s Kennett Run will be a mix of paved and unpaved, and begin and end at Anson B.Nixon Park. The 5K and 10K courses are of moderate difficulty and feature significant hill running fairly early in the race, combined with running through rolling terrain in the latter part of the race, and finishing with a downhill glide.

About 70 percent of the 5K will take place on the main streets of Kennett Square, while the remaining

30 percent will traverse the trails and roads accessing Anson B. Nixon Park. Conversely, 30 percent of the 10K race will take place on the main streets of Kennett Square, while about half of the race will take place on mostly rural roads.

The 1-mile course is flat for the first half, then a couple of moderate hills.

The Kids Pond Run is a flat course around the ponds within Anson B. Nixon Park.

REGISTRATION/PRICING AWARDS

·Registration for the 5K and 10K races is $35 through April 6 and $45 after April 6.

·Registration for the 5K and 10K PoweRun races is $50 through April 6 and $60 after April 6.

·Registration for the 1 Mile Walk/Run is $35 through April 6 and $45 after April 6.

·The Kids Pond Run is free for runners below the age of 10, and does not include a T-shirt.

·RACE SHIRTS ONLY GUARANTEED FOR RUNNERS WHO HAVE REGISTERED BEFORE APRIL 20, 2024

Awards are presented to the fastest man and woman of each race. In addition, there are age bracket winners recognized for the 5K and 10K races: Under 10, 1013, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-99. Runners may only win recognition in one race. That means a 5K PoweRun contestant cannot win both the 5K PoweRun and the 5K from his/her run. They must choose which award to receive.

KENNETT RUN RECORDS/AVERAGE TIMES

Men’s 5K

Fastest: 16:12.6   Average: 29:26.5

Women’s 5K

Fastest: 18:50.4   Average: 35:19.1

Men’s 5k PoweRun

Time adjusted for pre-run lifts:  6.23.3

Fastest: 19:56.1   Average: 26:09.2

Women’s 5K PoweRun

Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: 15.29.8 Fastest: 23:11.0   Average: 28:39.6

Men’s 10K

Fastest: 32:23.4   Average: 54:40.2

Women’s 10K

Fastest: 40:52.2   Average: 58:39.8

Men’s 10K PoweRun

Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: -25.22.5

Fastest: 48:07.6   Average: 56:07.0

Women’s 10K PoweRun

Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: 6.29.6

Fastest: 42:50.9   Average: 48:13.5

DIRECTIONS/PARKING

Traveling South on Route 1: Take the exit toward Kennett Square at the beginning of the Route 1 bypass. Follow this road toward Kennett Square. Parking is available at either the Kennett Fire Company (Dalmatian Road off Cypress Street) or in the front parking lot of Kennett High School (entrances to the lot are on E. South Street and S. Union Street). Buses will take you to the park.

Traveling North on Route 1: Take the Kennett Square exit. At the end of the ramp turn right onto Route 82. Follow the instructions for using Route 82 south.

Traveling South on Route 82: Drive into Kennett Square. Turn left onto East Linden Street. Park in the Kennett Square Parking Garage on your right and walk about a half mile (continue down Linden Street and then follow the path through the park to the start/finish line).

Traveling North on Route 82 or Route 7/Kaolin Road: Drive to the Kennett High School. Park in the lot at the front of the school. Buses will take you to the park.

From the Chester County Press, May 10, 2023

700+ runners enjoy competition, weather and camaraderie at 34th Kennett Run

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Wearing No. 164 across her matching black runner’s outfit, Bonnie Cardile of West Grove came down to the finish line of the 34th Kennett Run on May 6 with the gorgeous sun of the morning gleaming against her sunglasses.

When she crossed the finish line with a 10K time of 57 minutes and 38 seconds, the red digits that flashed behind Cardile meant very little to her, because what waited just steps from her exhausted body was a satisfaction far more important: the enveloping arms of her daughter, who was joined by Cardile’s best friend and a few others who had come to this annual tradition of a community race to cheer her on.

Bonnie Cardile of West Grove is embraced by her daughter moments after Cardile completed her 10K race at the 34th Kennett Run, held on May 6, 2023.

“I have been running for the past 300 days and I made a goal last June to run at least a mile every day,” Cardile said. “I was coming up on a year and wanted to celebrate with a race, and my daughter came, my best friend came and a few other friends came, so this is a great day.”

This year’s Kennett Run – which kicked off at Anson B. Nixon Park, circled through parts of Kennett Square Borough and finished at the park -- was also a great day for Kennett Run Charities, the fundraising

Continued on Page 20

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

34th Kennett Run...

Continued from Page 18

arm of the annual race. Not only was the sun shining brightly, but as of 8:45 a.m. – 15 minutes before the start of the 10K race – registration stood at 735, well beyond the 599 registrants who signed up for the 2022 event, which was held in a deluge of rain and heavy winds that saw dwindling attendance.

“This has been a really great morning at the Kennett Run, with an incredibly beautiful sun and clear skies, and it has been so nice compared to last year’s race and the two years we lost to COVID-19,” said Kennett Run Charities President Bob Merkle. “The Run is a lot of fun for everyone who participates, and hopefully it will generate good money for us to donate toward the many non-profit agencies as a result.”

Merkle said that he was also happy to see a significant rise in the number of participants who directed $5 of their entry fees toward local high school sports booster programs.

“Oxford Area High School saw a 100 percent increase, Avon Grove High School saw a 75 percent increase and Kennett High School was up almost 30 percent,” Merkle said. “That’s one of the improvements we were hoping to see. You hear so many stories about young people struggling with depression as a result of COVID-19, and this funding helps so many high school sports programs and the young people who participate in them.”

Top finishers in the 5K were Paul Springer (17:04.5), Angel Chimal Rodriguez (17:36) and Joshua Alcorn (17:42.4). The top female finishers in the 5K included Kaitlyn Kipp (19:28.2), Madison Schuck (22:05) and Michaela Perna (22:55).

In the 10K, top finishers were Brian Louis (23:02), Chris Rinschler (24:28) and Nick Geigle (24:25). The top female finishers in the 10K were Katelyn Gardner (31:20), Renee Clewell (31:53) and Kelly McConnell Cox (32:14).

Through their support, the following sponsors of this year’s Kennett Run believe a strong community is essential to building a strong business. In return, Kennett Run Charities provides the first community event of the spring to bring our residents and their friends outdoors to socialize, exercise and compete. After the completion of each Kennett Run, Kennett Run Charities invests the profits of the Kennett Run into Southern Chester County non-profit agencies -- key institutions dedicated to constantly strengthening our community by providing education, health, social, and environmental services to everyone.

SPONSORS MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN!

We hope you will again join Kennett Charities – in particular ChristianaCare for being the presenter of the 5K race -- in thanking this year’s Kennett Run sponsors as we continue our e orts to build an even stronger community by running, walking, volunteering, or simply cheering the runners on as they pass you on the course.

The

From the lens of the Chester County Press

Kennett Run in Photos

Kennett Run Charities Board of Directors

The Kennett Run Charities Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from various Kennett Square service organizations including the Rotary Club of Kennett Square, the Rotary Club of Longwood, the Lions Club, the Kennett Area YMCA and various Kennett area citizens who give their time and resources to make the Kennett Run a successful, fun event for serious runners as well as for family fun.

In Memoriam

The Kennett Run lost a great friend with the passing of Chester County Press Publisher Randy Lieberman this past December. Randy supported the Run with encouragement, advice, publicity assistance, and by being a sponsor for years. He helped make the Kennett Run successful for the past 34 years. His expertise and friendship will be missed.

Kennett Run

Kennett Run

Steven Hoffman ...........Managing Editor

Richard L. Gaw .............Associate Editor

Brenda Butt ...................Office Manager

Alan E. Turns ................Advertising Director

Helen E. Warren ...........Advertising Executive

Teri Turns .......................Advertising Executive

Tricia Hoadley ...............Art Director

Sherry Hutchinson ......Graphic Design