KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - More than 20 area businesses have contributed funds and in-kind donations in support of the eighth annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run®. With race day fast approaching (April 21, 2013), more than $16,000 has been raised. Funds go toward implementing park initiatives that will enhance the overall visitor experience. Past projects benefiting from the Revolutionary Run include trail expansion and maintenance.

The Revolutionary Run, certified by the Mid-Atlantic USA Track and Field Association, is an event for runners of all levels and abilities set in Valley Forge National Historical Park, site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army. At present, over 800 registered runners are preparing to tackle the five-mile route that begins at the Muhlenberg Brigade, where an outer line of defenses once watched for a potential British attack during the Revolutionary War. A three-mile walk is also part of the day's events, as is a 1.776-km Young Patriots Fun Run, which covers more than a mile.

Corporate sponsorships comprise the following: Lockheed Martin; PECO; The Friends of Valley Forge Park; Montessori Children's House of Valley Forge; BEST WESTERN PLUS The Inn at King of Prussia; Keystone Gardens; Logowear House; Herr's Snack Food Tours; REI Conshohocken; Seasons 52; Trader Joe's of Valley Forge; Upper Merion Township; Villanova University Conference Center; Wegmans Food Market & Pub of King of Prussia; Philadelphia Premium Outlets; Hyatt Place; Nolan Painting; Road ID; Chiropractic Spine Center; ING Finance Group; King of Prussia Chiropractic and Rehabilitation; MJ Ticcino Images; Ragnar Trail Relays; Wawa.

Several area businesses are supporting the 2013 Revolutionary Run for the first time: Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation; Horizon Services; Arkema, Inc.; Republic Services of Valley Forge; Brandywine Realty Trust; Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel; American Treasure Tour; Rutter Roofing; and J.P. Mascaro & Sons.

Lisa Fitzgerald, Business Development Manager at Horizon Services, says that her company's debut as a sponsor for the Revolutionary 5-Mile Run represented a two-pronged success.

"We have an office in Audubon, Pa., right around the corner from Valley Forge Park," she comments. "Our employees go there frequently during their lunchtimes for a quick walk, or they'll take their families there on a weekend."

Fitzgerald characterizes the Horizon Services sponsorship as an ideal way to give back to the community in which its employees work and specifically to a location that contributes to their physical well being and their historical perspective.

She continues: "It is also a way for us to connect with customers, both present and future."

In terms of both length and breadth, PECO remains one of the strongest advocates of the Revolutionary Run. "PECO is a longtime supporter of Valley Forge National Historical Park through several initiatives, including the Revolutionary Run," says Suzanne Ryan, PECO External Affairs Manager for Montgomery County. "Valley Forge played a significant role in the formation of our nation, and we are pleased that our sponsorship of the Revolutionary Run helps the park preserve the rich heritage that exists in our backyard."

"To expand PECO's support, a team of employees will volunteer their time to help enhance the Park in late April," she adds.

Visit www.revolutionaryrun.org for details.

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd. is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that aggressively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 300-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Bureau's website, at www.valleyforge.org, serves visitors, meeting planners, tour operators and residents.

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