Last year Brian’s Run returned for the first time since COVID – but barely.
“Dave Richard, co-director is on staff at Rustin and arranged for us to hold the event there at the last minute,” said Brian’s Run Executive Director Brian McFadden via email.
If you don’t know the story, Brian’s Run started as a one-time event to help raise money for Brian Bratcher, a Henderson football player who was paralyzed during a scrimmage. That was in 1978. The race soon took on a life of its own. The famously tough 10K route was acclaimed by Philadelphia and Runner’s World magazines. At its height in the early 1980s, more than 4000 people were showing up to run.
“A lot of big-name runners from the region would compete,” race veteran Kevin Kelly told me last spring.
The Rustin event kept the tradition going but without some of the signatures that had distinguished it from other area runs. The length was cut to a 5K and gone was the race’s trademark challenging course. Leading some to believe the race may have outrun its welcome in the Borough. Fortunately, not the race organizers.
“Although the Rustin location was an awesome venue, participants felt that the tradition was a uniquely downtown West Chester event, so we moved it back,” said Brian.
Also back, the 5-mile option. This year participants can choose between a 1.5-mile walk, a 5K run, a 5-mile run, or a kids’ race option. The races will be held on the “downtown West Chester loop.” The rectangular route starts at the corner of Market and Church and heads south to Sharpless St. From there you go west to Brandywine Street, north past Everhart Park, and back to Market St. You’ll need to complete two laps if you are running the 5K; three if you are running the 5 miler.
“It’s a PR-friendly course,” said Brian. Ok, so, maybe not terribly difficult but, hey, it’s back. “Being the 45th running of this event, the run has outlived most other races in the country,” said Brian.
Not only is there a desire to keep the tradition going, there is a need. This year all race proceeds will go to support the West Chester Food Cupboard. ”Food insecurity is very real for a number of people in our area,” said Brian.
Brian’s Run will be held on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Race registration is $30. Bib pick-up begins at noon at Stove and Tap. Stove and Tap is also offering post-race food and drink specials. So stop in afterward and celebrate your part in this still-standing West Chester tradition.
Originally published, Dec. 1, 2023
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