The Soldier Spirit of Valley Forge Lives On

If you’ve participated in the annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-mile Run, and exemplify the same courage, determination and perseverance that the Continental Army soldiers at Valley Forge did, we want to hear from you. Or perhaps it’s another runner or walker you know who possesses the true grit we seek.

Since its 2006 inception, the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-mile Run, has attracted more than 8,500 registrants from multiple states and has raised $119,000 for park trail maintenance at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The sports of running and even walking, and this event, are an inspiration to so many, including 2011 Spirit of Valley Forge-Triumph over Adversity award honoree, Dennis Chippolini, 58, of Skippack,Pennsylvania.

Chippolini’s struggles began in 1989 after a horrific automobile accident severed both legs. He was told he’d never walk again. A right leg reattachment was successful, but the left was not. A prosthetic limb, his “No excuses, no limits” mantra and running brought him through numerous challenges and triumphs, which include three marathons, three half-marathons, two triathlons and two Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-mile Runs.

Selected among three finalists, via online voting, Chippolini received the Spirit of Valley Forge-Triumph over Adversity award from Run producers Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Show us how the soldier spirit of Valley Forge lives on. Share your story. Nominate yourself or someone whom you feel deserves this revered recognition before April 1, 2012. Submit a 250-word essay detailing challenges and triumphs associated with running or walking and participation in the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-mile Run. Visit www.revolutionaryrun.org for complete details.