The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board’s (VFTCB) Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run returned to Valley Forge National Historical Park on Sunday for its 14^thyear to benefit the park.

This year, the VFTCB brought back the Spirit of Valley Forge Award and it presented to Theresa Thomas on behalf of her husband, Joe, a marathoner and avid park runner who passed away. The family put together a team to run and walk in memory of him.

“I still feel like he’s here with me,” said Theresa. “Joe was my soulmate, the love of my life. He was always kind. He made things about other people, not himself. He’d be embarrassed that we did this for him. But, he can’t stop people from saying wonderful things about him. Everyone loved him.”

The event also featured VFTCB President & CEO Mike Bowman, Park Superintendent Steve Sims, Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence, 6ABC’s Adam Joseph, VFTCB & Montco mascot, Monty, and the Elmwood Park Zoo’s Bubby the Bison.

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Organized by the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), all proceeds from the event benefit Valley Forge National Historical Park.

A unique challenge for runners of all skill levels, almost 2,000 people participated in this one-of-a-kind event in its 14^th year.

“Valley Forge is one of the region’s most visited destinations, so we’re proud to keep our commitment to supporting the national park through Rev Run each year,” said Bowman. “The park is truly a treasure for runners, cyclists, history enthusiasts, visitors, and residents alike.”

Last year, the run raised $55,500, the largest amount to date. Since the inception of the Rev Run in 2005, the VFTCB has given back more than $400,000 in support to Valley Forge, a site that attracted 2.2 million visitors in 2018.

“The park is fortunate to have a committed partner in the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board,” said Sims. “As a four-time Rev Run participant, I am grateful for the benefit it provides to the visitor experience.”

Runners trekked the five-mile, USATF-certified, closed course that followed the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail, and traversed scenic and hilly terrain with steady climbs and descents, a mix of roads and trails, and ended with a tough uphill climb over the final quarter-mile to the finish line at the park’s Visitor Center.

Named an Event to Watch in 2017 by SportsEvent Magazine, Rev Run is sanctioned by the Mid-Atlantic USA Track & Field, and is part of the Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix. The event also included a three-mile walk for all ages, and leashed dogs, along the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail. The 1.776 kilometer Young Patriots Run for kids ages 6-13 passesd the Muhlenberg Brigade huts.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three overall male and female winners. Custom medals were also awarded to the top three finishers in each age bracket.

Registrants received a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt. Participants and spectators enjoyed the expo area, which included local restaurants, attractions, and services with free samples, swag, and discounts. The race also featured dozens of sponsors, corporate teams, and volunteers.

Funds raised are part of various infrastructure improvement projects and programming to enhance visitor experience. Past projects have included:

• Future maintenance needs of Sullivan’s Bridge, the new pedestrian span over the Schuylkill River
• Design and fabrication work on the public trailhead and overlook improvements as part of a new Meadow Trail/Meadow Management Plan
• Design and fabrication of new information and orientation kiosk located between visitor parking and the Visitor Center
• Support Once Upon a Nation Storytelling programs

The Park also has a significant economic impact on the region, contributing $46.5 million and 426 jobs to the local economy in 2018.

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