The heat is breaking (kind of). Shore weekends are ending. It’s time to start fund-racing again. Every spring, the 5K races and fun runs come barreling through West Chester only to dry up over the hot days of summer. Well, now that temps are cooling again lace up, the races are back.

Starting this weekend and running (sorry, just seeing this on the read-through) through September there are no fewer than five races planned. While some, like the 12th Annual Uniter For HER 5K on Sept. 28 and the 9/11 Heroes Run on Sept. 8, are timed to specific fall events, others are just taking advantage of autumn’s sweet spot.

“We selected the date because it was after the summer travel season, but before it gets cold and before fall school and sports schedules really get going,” said Community Volunteers in Medicine’s Laura Patarcity on the group’s decision to hold their fun run in early Sept.  

Ready to get back into the running groove? You have several options to choose from.

Upcoming Races

Short but hilly. Roslyn Swim Club is hosting its first-ever 2-mile fun run on Aug. 31. The race starts just outside the swim club at 838 Spruce Ave. and winds through the neighborhoods behind. Proceeds support the Roslyn Swim Club improvement projects fund.  

Easy loop. If you’re looking for a low-stress course to ease you back in, Community Volunteers in Medicine has you covered. They are hosting the Dr. Mary’s Legacy Run 5K and Family Walk on Sep. 7 at West Goshen Park. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., race at 9 a.m. It’s a fairly easy loop plus the playground is there to entertain any children who may tire mid-way through the family walk. Proceeds support the CVIM’s Dr. Mary Brennan Wirshup Endowment Fund. Bonus, an anonymous donor is matching all revenue.

Rucking challenge. For those who want a fitness challenge without the run, the 9/11 Heroes 5K offers a rucking option in addition to the traditional 5K run. For those, not up on their military training slang, rucking is the action of walking with a weight on your back, typically in a rucksack or as we civilians call it, a backpack. The Heroes 5K is being held at 9 a.m. on Sept. 8 at Rustin High School. Note that date. I had it wrong in last week’s issue. Also, there are discounts for active duty military and first responders. Registration rate increases after Sept. 7.

Late start. Not a morning person? This race is for you. Join West Chester University students for an 11 a.m. run in support of student athletes’ mental health. Now in its sixth year the Rams Let’s Walk: 5K run and Walk raises funds and awareness for West Chester University suicide prevention and other mental health initiatives. The race is being held on Sept. 22. The starting line is just past University Ave. on S. Church St.

Local favorite. Back for its 12th year is the annual Unite for HER 5K. The race runs along the standard Borough 5K route which starts on N. Church St loops twice through the Borough before ending on W. Market St.  This signature West Chester race is known for its bold t-shirts and good vibes. Unfortunately, you needed to register by Aug. 28 to guarantee yourself a t-shirt. If you haven’t yet, I’d do that now and hope for the best.  

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Originally published on Aug. 30, 2024

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