Return of July 4th Revolutionary Run welcome news
The fireworks are back and not just the ones which explode in the sky.
July 4 at Washington Crossing Historic Park is well known for its annual fabulous aerial pyrotechnics but for the past four decades or so, the Revolutionary Run has drawn similar attention for its noteworthy event.
So it was with great relief to learn the “Rev Run’’ will be returning next month for its 40th anniversary competition after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.
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The 10K/5K/1-Mile, contested in and around WCHP, typically draws in excess of a thousand runners.
Registration is now open at www.revrunpa.com/register.
The Revolutionary Run is conducted by the fine folks at the Upper Makefield Businessmen’s Association.
All the profits from the RevRun go to UMBA Scholarships, Upper Makefield Emergency Fund, UMBA Sunshine Fund, the Upper Makefield Volunteer Fire Company and the Washington Crossing Historic Park.
There are several reasons why these races are so popular. For one, it’s a great way to kick off a holiday, so everyone is off from work, etc. Two, the courses are fast, flat and scenic with few turns and lots of shade. Three, the post-race party/swag is second to none.
So if you haven’t done this race before, our recommendation is to give it a shot. Chances are it will become a permanent fixture on your race calendar.
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Hot weather running arrives
Well, summer might be three weeks away but the thermometer already has hit the 90-degree mark, so it’s time to roll out the old tips for hot weather running.
Most of these are obvious to veteran runners, but here are a few reminders:
Hydrate: Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, starting at least an hour before the start of your run. Sports drinks with electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, etc.) also are helpful to make up for the loss of these trace minerals through perspiration.
Light color, synthetic clothing: Remember, light colors do better than dark in the heat. Stay away from the old-fashion cotton-fiber shorts and tops. Synthetics tend to wick away moisture.
Course selection: Pick a course with as much shade as possible. Save the big hills for a cooler day.
Time of day: On the real scorchers, try to run early in the morning or late afternoon/early evening. The lower the sun the better.
Sunscreen, lip balm: If you’re running in the high sun hours, go with a big-number UVA protection lotion. Grab a Chapstick if you’re in high-mileage mode.
Wear a hat: Dig out that old Phillies cap, although that might not be too popular at the moment.
On-the-move fluid options: On medium-to-long training runs, some people carry insulated water bottles or look for a course which has access to water, such as public fountains.
Mileage alert: No need to plan big mileage on hot days. Track workouts are best held in early evening.
Cross training: Those dog days of July and August offer opportunities for cooler options, such as biking and swimming. These are great cross-training tools, as any triathlete can tell you.
Have fun: Yes, you might be training for that big marathon in Philadelphia, New York or Chicago this fall, but this is a time for base mileage and overall fitness. So put on the headphones, get rid of the watch and enjoy a pressure-free run. Your body will thank you.
Congrats to a standout runner
One of our inspiring running colleagues is calling it a career, at least as far as high-speed exercise is concerned.
Newtown’s Larry Waldman, one of the charter members of the Bucks County Roadrunners Club back in the late ‘70s, recently underwent hip replacement surgery and has decided his running days are over.
Larry will continue to do extensive walking to stay in shape, including mileage over at Tyler State Park,which is where he recently organized efforts to have a water fountain funded, built and placed at the Tyler Park Center for the Arts in Richboro.
In his heyday Larry was a top-flight runner. In fact, he is one of only three Bucks County runners (Mary-Pat Ezzo, Mark Fite the other two) to have completed every single one of the Philadelphia Distance Run’s first 40 years of competition. One of his best PDR times for the half-marathon distance was a speedy 1:20.
Congrats, Larry, on a great running career.
New half-marathon coming to Trenton area
Several years back the original Trenton Half-Marathon was a very popular race in the local area. When it left the calendar, it left a bit of a void for Bucks distance enthusiasts.
But now another 13.1-mile event has popped up just across the Delaware in the form of the Mercer County Half-Marathon, to be held on Sunday, Sept. 18.
The race will start and finish in Robbinsville, not far from the New Jersey state capital. Prices range from $65 to $100. The course is mostly flat along country roads. Timing is handled by CompuScore.
To register, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Trenton/MercerCountyHalf
Sesame Classic shirt/medal pickup set
Due to an unexpectedly high number of participants, some runners in the 22nd annual Sesame Place Classic on May 15 did not receive shirts or finisher’s medals.
Those particular runners can pick up their shirts and/or medals at a special pickup opportunity this Saturday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the courtyard adjacent to Macy’s at Oxford Valley Mall.
Race calendar
Friday
Donut 5,000, 5:30 p.m., Holland. Contact www.runsignup.com
Saturday
30th annual Chalfont Challenge 5K, 8:30 a.m., Chalfont. Contact www.bucks5kseries.com
JFM Pantry 5K, 9 a.m., Warminster. Contact www.runningintheusa.com
Sunday
Dairy Air Half-Marathon/10K/5K, 9 a.m., Doylestown. Contact www.scoogieevents.com
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Revolutionary Run at Washington Crossing returns for 40th year
