KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Get ready for a run like no other, because the annual Kennett Run is back! Scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, the Kennett Run promises a unique blend of fitness, competition, and entertainment. Combining various race distances, age categories, and terrain that suits everyone from beginners to seasoned runners, the event is all geared up to create an unmatched running experience.
The Kennett Run offers a range of races to match every runner’s capacity and competitive spirit. These runs span across a mix of flat and hilly terrain, ensuring a suitable challenge for all participants. From 5K and 10K runs to 1 Mile Walk/Run and the Kids Pond Run, the event aims to cater to all age groups and fitness levels.
Their unique PoweRun races- both 5K and 10K, put an interesting twist to traditional races. They involve participants performing either bench presses or pull-ups before running, with each completed lift resulting in reduced running times. PoweRun has its own specific rules, including specific weight lift percentages based on the runner’s age and gender.
All the races start and end within Anson Nixon Park, providing a convenient spot for spectators to cheer and motivate the runners. The majority of the 5K and 30% of the 10K course are on the main streets of Kennett Square, with the remaining sections featuring trails and roads within Anson Nixon Park and rural roads.
Besides the running event, there’s a lot more fun in store. Expect music to be playing throughout the event, and make sure not to miss the delicious food and refreshing beer after the races.
Awards will be given to the fastest man and woman of each race as well as recognition for age bracket winners in 5K and 10K races. However, a PoweRun participant cannot win recognition in both their PoweRun and the regular run.
Registration is now open – you can register online. In-person registration and race packet pickup will also be available at specific dates and locations. The Kids Pond Run is free for runners below the age of 10.
In-Person Registration and Race Packet Pickup
Friday, May 3rd
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Kennett YMCA gym
Saturday, May 4th
6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Anson B. Nixon Park
Records
Kennett Run has some impressive course records – ever thought of breaking one? Maybe this is your year!
The current Kennett Run course record times are:
Men’s 5K
Fastest: 16:12.6 Average: 29:26.5
Women’s 5K
Fastest: 18:50.4 Average: 35:19.1
Men’s 5k PoweRun
Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: 6.23.3
Fastest: 19:56.1 Average: 26:09.2
Women’s 5K PoweRun
Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: 15.29.8
Fastest: 23:11.0 Average: 28:39.6
Men’s 10K
Fastest: 32:23.4 Average: 54:40.2
Women’s 10K
Fastest: 40:52.2 Average: 58:39.8
Men’s 10K PoweRun
Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: -25.22.5
Fastest: 48:07.6 Average: 56:07.0
Women’s 10K PoweRun
Time adjusted for pre-run lifts: 6.29.6
Fastest: 42:50.9 Average: 48:13.5
Race Day Schedule
The race day is meticulously planned with a detailed schedule.
6 AM: Anson Nixon Park opens
6:30 AM: Race Registration and packet pickup begin; runners may pick up their shirts and bibs
7:30 AM: Roads through Kennett Square close (State St from N Walnut St to Mill Rd., and N Walnut St from State St to Anson Nixon Park entrance)
7 AM: PoweRunners start their exercise
8:15 AM PoweRunners complete their exercise
8:20 AM: Last bus pickup from the borough garage (in front of alley back to the garage) before races
8:30 AM: Registration closes; N., Walnut Street closes out to Route 926, last bus pickup from the high school and municipal parking lots
8:45 AM: Runner shirt and bib distribution stops
8:45 AM: Bands start to play along the State St part of the course (Library second floor deck, intersection of State and Union St., in parking lot in front of El Ranchero)
9 AM: 10K race starts; (est. end time is 10:15 AM); beverages and food are available for runners
9:20 AM: 5K race starts (est. end time is 10:20 AM)
9:25 AM: 1 mile walk/run starts (est. end time is 9:45 AM)
10:25 AM: Kids Pond Run starts
10:30 AM: Race results announcements start (approximate time, actual will be after last 5K/10K runner has finished)
10:45 AM: Mascot race starts
11:00 AM: Live music starts
1:00 PM: Race Day concludes
The Kennett Run 2024 is not just an everyday running event – it’s a fitness celebration. Lace-up those running shoes because it’s time to set new records, make unforgettable memories, and, above all, have fun!
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