Runners like to run. Where, when and why don’t always matter. What did matter to the organizers of the Brandywine Battlefield 5K was that a morning fog lifted and 80 runners took part in the first time event that benefits the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates and efforts to improve and expand their mission.
Of those 80 runners, two — Annette Vogts and her son Andrew — were from Chadds Ford Township. Both finished the run, but they had different reactions.
Annette Vogts said she felt great. It wasn’t her first 5K, but she hadn’t raced in at least two years.
“We’re just trying to get fit,” she said, adding that helping the park was a bonus.
Her 12-year-old son was less than enthused about running. When asked if wanted to do another 5K in a few weeks he said, “I’d rather do 500 pushups.”
The course was a loop from the driveway of the township building, up Route 1 to Heyburn Road, Heyburn to Ridge Road, Ridge to Ring Road and back to the township building driveway.
According to event coordinator Tyler Therriault, of the law firm of Donaghue and Labrum, the run raised $20,000 for the associates. Most of the money — about $15,000 — came in through corporate sponsorships. The 80 runners also paid a $20 registration, and there were other donations as well. Chadds Ford Township was a sponsor at the $3,000 level, but supervisors this summer voted to donate a total of $10,000.
The run’s Web site said the money was for the park museum, but associate’s Secretary Judy Thorpe said the donations would go toward the group’s mission to educate the public through various programs and that the museum was just part of that mission.
“The money will go to expand the programs,” she said.
Battlefield Park Education Coordinator Andrew Outten offered some specific uses, such as refurnishing the Ring and Gilpin houses located in the park. The Ring House was used as Washington’s Headquarters prior to the Battle of the Brandywine.
Township solicitor Hugh Donaghue said his firm got behind the idea because he thought it would be a great community event. They tried to get things going a year ago, but plans fell through at that time.
“We’re here to help the battlefield as it faces its challenges much like George Washington faced the challenge of the British Empire,” he said. “George Thorpe [township supervisor and past president of the associates] asked for help.”
Donaghue thanked the sponsors, naming David Dodge specifically, and everyone who took part. David Dodge was the largest sponsor, donating $5,000.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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