The 26 annual Brian’s Run will take place on Mar. 28, at the Collegium Charter School, located at 103 N. Everhart Ave. in West Chester. The run will be co-organized bythe Rotary Club of West Chester and the Collegium Charter School. Brian’s Run was orginially scheduled in December, but was canceled due to snow.
This event began in 1978 as a fundraising event for Brian Bratcher, a West Chester Henderson High School football player who sustained a life-challenging spinal cord injury at the age of 15. The first year the race was organized in hopes of raising $500, and 2,000 runners raised $20,000 to help with Brian’s medical expenses. After the first year, Brian decided to hold the event annually for disabled people in the community.
West Chester University has been an active participant in Brian’s Run in recent years. In 1995 WCU offered to formally give Brian’s Run a home and help out with year-round planning for the event. In return, the Brian’s Run Executive Committee helps WCU students that are disabled. Portions of Brian’s Run funds will go to West Chester University physically challenged students needing assistance and physical equipment to complete their studies and maintain a good
quality of life, as well as disabled persons from the community, who continue to be eligible for funds as well.
The day will begin at 11 a.m., with a one mile Open Fun Run/Walk. At 11:30 a.m. the 5K Run/Walk will begin. The Children’s Fun Run for kids 11 years and younger begins at 12:30 p.m. A shuttle bus service for parking at Bradford Plaza will be available to those participating.
Many organizations will be donating food, such as Wegman’s who is giving 1,500 yogurts, Wawa who is donating 2,500 juices and cream cheese, and bagels from the local bagel stores. Herr’s is conntributing chips and pretzels and Entemanne’s is providing 150 dozen donuts. Other large contributors include Legg Mason Funds, Comcast, Exxon Mobil and Mitch’s Market St. Gym.
To fill out a registration form or learn more about the event, visit www.briansrun.org.