The 2015 edition of the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run®, taking place the morning of April 19 at Valley Forge National Historical Park, is the tenth running of what has become one of the most unique competitions in the area.
Over the years, much has changed with the race. But especially this year, specific steps were taken to bring a celebratory tone:
- The marketing has been updated to reflect the rebrand of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board as principal sponsor
- Corporate teams can now compete against one another
- Several new sponsors are taking part
"We have given the Rev Run a new look and feel," says Race Director Kirsten Tallman. "We are inviting athletes to take on this course - and all its challenging terrain - with the call to Conquer the Valley, a call-to-action that also encompasses the historical significance of what happened here."
Second-tier marketing features a modern and active feel, Run! Sweat! Cheer! Walk!, encompassing the ways the public can participate. Athletes and children can tackle their own courses; walkers can stroll through three miles of deep history; spectators can witness the competition firsthand and encourage friends, family members and other favorites.
Also new for 2015 is the opportunity for team participation. "We responded to an emerging trend over the past few editions of the Rev Run," Tallman explains. "Organizations were gathering members and competing as a unit. We formalized that process and, for the first time ever, are making it official."
Tallman hopes that companies will, in the spirit of competitiveness, sponsor clusters of employee runners. "There are, after all, bragging rights involved," she laughs. UGI Corporation - Amerigas has already tossed its hat into the ring to sponsor a team.
The post-race Expo continues to draw participants, with a number of first-timers attending this tenth anniversary run. Seidel Associates of King of Prussia, for example, is planning to have its first onsite presence, highlighting the charitable organization Erin's Fund, which supports pediatric cardiology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Kimberton Whole Foods, Penn Medicine Valley Forge and HBK Engineering of Norristown are other new sponsors and potential Expo participants.
The Rev Run has also been recognized for its excellence, especially this year. Be Well Philly has declared it to be one of "10 Spring Charity Runs to Have on Your Radar." It also cited Valley Forge as one of the "Best Places to Do Long Runs."
Although much has changed with the Rev Run over the past 10 years, much remains the same:
- USA Track & Field has again certified the course, meaning results do matter.
- The distance is still a full five miles, not the expected 3.1 miles of a traditional 5k.
- The terrain continues to challenge runners in many ways; the dips and hills leave even veterans panting.
- The setting is once again one of the most historic - and picturesque - landscapes in our country.
- As before, the event caters also to children (on a patriotically appropriate 1.776 km course of about a mile) and walkers (on a scenic, pet-friendly, three-mile walk).
- Proceeds will, as always, benefit part infrastructure initiatives, ensuring a rich visitor experience on an ongoing basis. Over the decade, more than $200,000 has been donated to continually improve our local historic icon.
In commenting on the first Rev Run in 2006, the then-race director was quoted as saying: "Nowhere in the region is there a race with the scenic beauty of Valley Forge Park. This is a cut above. When you run along the ridge and look out over the gorgeous landscape, you can see the Schuylkill River from the route. The feeling goes beyond running, and beyond the race."
That sentiment is also as true today as it was then.
There is still ample time to join in the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run®. All the information on how to get involved as a runner, walker, volunteer or sponsor is available on our site, here.
Join us April 19. Come and Conquer the Valley!
