COVID-19 forces Valley Forge Revolutionary Run online

Source, KYW News Radio, Mark Abrams

VALLEY FORGE (KYW Newsradio) — The coronavirus pandemic has forced the organizers of the Valley Forge Revolutionary Run to take the event online this spring.

Samantha Cummons, social media director of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board – the group behind the run – said the decision actually opens the event to a wider audience.

“Anybody in the world can do this race,” she explained. “It’s a 5-mile run or a walk. You can use Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch and track your five miles.”

Or, she said, those close to home can do an individual or socially-distanced event.

“Runners also have an option to do the actual 5-mile race, the actual course in Valley Forge National Historical Park,” Cummons said.

She said the event also won’t be limited to a single day as in past years.

“It is an eight-day window that you can complete this race,” Cummons said. “So, you can run or walk this event anytime between April 17 and April 25.”

And, she said, those who register will qualify for a long-sleeve runner’s T-shirt and a digital racing bib which they can print out and wear while doing the event.

“It’s completely personalized and customized to your name,” Cummons said. “And, it’s also Valley Forge branded and themed.”

She said there will be no recognition of the top finishers in the various age categories as in past years. However, participants will receive an event keepsake.

“We are giving every registrant – every single person that participates this year – a finisher medal,” Cummons explained. “So, that’s brand new for us. Everybody wants a finisher medal and they want to display that proudly.”

Proceeds from the run benefit visitor projects at Valley Forge National Historical Park.