American Lung Association to Host First-Ever Virtual Radnor Run

A favorite for local runners, the Radnor Run will celebrate its 43rd year—virtually! The American Lung Association has announced that the first-ever Virtual Radnor Run will take place on October 25, 2020. Previously, the event was held at the Radnor Township Building in Wayne, PA but was re-imagined as an exciting virtual experience to promote physical distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Participants can register to virtually participate in the 5-Mile Race, 2- Mile Walk, or 1-Mile Kids Fun Run at their location of choice—a neighborhood, a local hiking trail, or a treadmill! At the same time, the Lung Association has launched virtual challenges for registrants to do at home to stay engaged, connect with their community and champion the mission.

Money raised at the Virtual Radnor Run will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

“People who live with lung diseases like asthma, lung cancer, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are at a high risk for severe complications of COVID-19. For that reason, we are launching our first-ever Virtual Radnor Run to ensure the safety of all our participants, staff, and volunteers,” said Caroline Hutchinson, executive director for the American Lung Association in the Greater Philadelphia Region. “Because of the global pandemic, it is more important than ever to support lung health and we are excited to see our participants get creative with how they support lung health. Whether it’s by walking or running—we’re working together to raise critical funds and awareness.”

Long time Radnor Run Start Line Event Sponsor De Lage Landen (a global company with U.S. headquarters in Wayne, PA) has had the largest team for the past few years. This year, the “DLL- Together We Can Make Things Happen” team went international! Team captain, 13-year participant and Radnor Run Committee member Steve McMenamin used the virtual opportunity to engage co-workers throughout the U.S. and globally—with 13 international team members, including participants in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.

“Though the global pandemic shifted the Radnor Run to a virtual event, it provided an opportunity to get more co-workers around the world involved to help raise awareness and funds to end lung disease, including COVID-19. We are proud to field one of the largest corporate teams in the event every year—and this year, it’s even more special with co-workers joining from across the U.S. and around the world. We’ll be running ‘together’ for those living with lung disease, and for those we have lost to lung disease. Knowing that our participation will help fund lifesaving research and support education and advocacy efforts to end lung disease is really what it’s all about,” said McMenamin (pictured on left).

In order to make this year’s event as interactive as possible you can join the Radnor Run Strava Club, a free application you can download on your smart phone and track miles in support of the American Lung Association. The distance that each registrant chooses can be completed on their own time and at the location of their choice. You can also log in your distance at home by using the treadmill or taking a walk around the neighborhood. Participants can join in the Virtual Challenge  activities to complete for prizes. And new this year, the Lung Association has a training program and support system for participants with a detailed workout plan!

Registration is online at Lung.org/radnorrun. The fee for the event is $35 for 5-Mile, $20 for 2-Mile and $15 for 1-Mile Kids Fun Run.  Participants who raise a $100 or more will receive a resistance exercise band as a commemorative gift.

Local event sponsors are BDP International, Independence Blue Cross, Penn Medicine Radnor-Valley Forge, Radnor Township, Apt Management, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Moore Jones LLC, Genentech, De Lage Landen, Bryn Mawr Trust, and more.

Fundraising for the event will continue through November 30, 2020 in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Top fundraising teams and individuals will be announced on December 1.

The Virtual Radnor Run brings together a healthy activity with a greater purpose. Register today and post your pictures and videos on social media using #RadnorRun.

Media interested in covering the event please contact the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania Communications Director Valerie Gleason at [email protected],  717-971-1123 or by cell at 302-275-2277.