Thousands take part in 28th annual Kennett Run

Proceeds from run benefit local charities

KENNETT SQUARE >> With temperature in the low 60s and a cloud cover, the weather was ideal for the 28th annual Kennett Run Saturday morning.

“I didn’t run the course, but the weather was perfect for the runners,” said Becky Devestine, a Kennett Run organizer. “We couldn’t have ordered it any better.”

Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick said there were no injuries and he saw people having a great time.

“I watched from uptown,” Fetick said. “With the new route, it seemed to go really well. The new route is good for town because it gets people into the center of town. I love the fact that we kept people in the Central Business District. It’s another good event for Kennett.”

Jeff Darman of Kennett Square said he enjoyed running the new course.

“It was definitely challenging,” Darman said. “Especially those hills.”

The race course was altered this year to keep runners largely in Kennett Square, on State Street and Walnut Street. It started and ended at Anson B. Nixon Park.

“Everybody seemed to have a great time, and I am pleased with the route.” — Dan Maffei, president of Kennett Square Borough Council

“Everybody seemed to have a great time, and I am pleased with the route,” said Dan Maffei, president of Kennett Square Borough Council. “The weather was perfect. It was warm enough that you aren’t uncomfortable, and cool enough that you don’t sweat to death.”

Thousands of people attended the post-run party at the park, where free snacks and beverages were distributed, including pizza, donuts and pretzels. Two Stones Pub of Kennett donated seven kegs of beer.

Since it was formed 28 years ago, Kennett Run Charities has given out more than $1 million. The mission of the Kennett Run remains the same today as it was 28 years ago: to benefit local charities. Scores of local nonprofit organizations in southern Chester County will receive funding later this year from Kennett Run Charities.

Last year, more than 60 local nonprofits received funding through Kennett Run Charities, including: the Kennett Food Cupboard, Family Promise of Southern Chester County, Longwood Fire Co., Historic Kennett Square, Unionville Community Fair, Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Kennett Area YMCA and many others.

FRAN MAYE — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Some of the winners of the Kennett Run PoweRun on stage after receiving their medals.

Members of the Kennett Football Team were well represented at the Kennett Run Saturday.

Emergency crews were stationed at Anson B. Nixon Park Saturday for the Kennett Run, but there were no injuries.

FRAN MAYE — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Thousands gather at Anson B. Nixon park in Kennett Square after the 28th running of the Kennett Run Saturday.

These youngsters had a fun time participating in the 28th annual Kennett Run Saturday.

Pizza, donuts, pretzels and snacks awaited runners at Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square following the Kennett Run.

These 10K runners check their watches as they cross the finish line at the Kennett Run Saturday in Kennett Square.

Some of the winners of the Kennett Run PoweRun on stage after receiving their medals.

These 10K runners prepare to cross the finish line at the 28th annual Kennett Run Saturday.