The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) presented $35,000 to Valley Forge National Historical Park from funds raised through this year’s 16th annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run (Rev Run) held in person and virtually in April. The next event will be held April 16, 2023.
Since its inception in 2006, Rev Run has raised nearly $550,000 for Park infrastructure improvement projects and programming to enhance visitor experience.
More than 900 runners and walkers competed in this year’s hybrid race. 2021 was the first year the VFTCB decided to make Rev Run virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to record-breaking registration, virtual participation will remain an option moving forward. Runners and walkers from more than 20 different U.S. states, and three countries virtually participated during National Park Week, April 16-24.
“It was wonderful to see a new group of runner advocates for Valley Forge National Historical Park at this year’s Rev Run,” said Race Director Kirsten Tallman. “When asking the crowd at the start line how many were first timers of event, we witnessed many hands go up. What a great feeling to have new Park supporters coming out of the pandemic and a previous, virtual-only year with an appreciation for the Park and it’s significant history of perseverance.”
Contributions from this year’s donation will be used for bike repair stations (2), Historic Philadelphia Storytelling programming, continued Sullivan Bridge deferred maintenance, and more accessible picnic tables around the park. Additional projects funded by Rev Run proceeds include bottle-filling stations around the Park, new wayside interpretation panels for the Patriots of African Descent Monument, design of informational midway kiosks, Once Upon a Nation programming, storytelling benches, the newly renovated Grand Parade Trail Steuben Plaza area, and other trail connections.
The VFTCB also announced the official date of next year’s hybrid event – which will be held both in-person at the park and virtually – April 16, 2023. Registration and sponsorship information will be coming soon.
Returning in 2023 will be finisher medals for all participants. Additionally, registrants will receive a 2023 Revolutionary Run commemorative t-shirt. Cash prizes with a purse totaling $1,400 will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers of the in-person portion of the race. Sponsorships will also be available starting at $250, with upgraded digital sponsorship opportunites via the tourism board’s social media, website, and public relations efforts.
Sponsors of the 2022 race included King of Prussia District, MossRehab Einstein Healthcare Network, JC Pool and Spa, Arkema, DiRosato Plumbing & Heating Company, PECO, SEI, Nolan Painting, Delta Sigma Theta, Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter, Main Line Health, Lee & Associates of Eastern Pennsylvania LLC, Excel Physical Therapy, Encompass Health, Montessori Children’s House of Valley Forge, UHS, REI, PTW The Physical Therapy Wellness Institue, TD Bank, Arnold’s Office Furniture, Yoga Six, HomeLight, Renewal by Anderson, Blacksone Massage & Recovery, and Logo Wearhouse.
In partnership with Zartico Analytics and Data Destination Operating System, the VFTCB found that there was an 18% lift in visitation to the Park on the weekend of the race compared to the month of April. Additionally, there was a lift in visitor spending in the accommodations and food categories during the event compared to last year. There was a 91% lift in visitor spending in the “Eating Places and Restaurants” food category showing visitors were visiting local eateries in King of Prussia on the event day.
The Park also has a significant economic impact on the region, generally contributing $36 million and several hundred jobs to the local economy.
“It’s thrilling to be able to give the community a way to support and give back to a place they use every day,” continued Tallman. “We love to build this community around this National Treasure one mile at a time.”
More information regarding the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run, including upcoming registration information, can be found at www.revolutionaryrun.org or by following along on social media: @ValleyForgeRevolutionaryRun, @VisitValleyForge (Facebook), @VisitVF (Twitter), and @VisitValleyForge (Instagram).
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