Summer Sendoff 5K & 1 Mile

The 5th Annual Summer Sendoff 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk returns on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This all-age, family friendly event in beautiful Chester Springs is held at Pickering Valley Elementary School and Eagle Crossroads Park - where the 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk will begin and end. The 5K "Byers Loop" Course has been conquered by young runners and local elites! 

 

Proud to announce 2L Race Services RETURNS as the Premier Timing Company of the 2026 Summer Sendoff 5K Race!

 

Watch our NEW flyover video to see the 5K course route and elevation map!

 

Every registered participant can expect a 2026 Summer Sendoff T-SHIRT, CASH PRIZES for Top 3 Overall Male/Female finishers, MEDALS for the Top 3 finishers in EACH age group (9 & under to 70+), amazing RAFFLE BASKETS, BIB NUMBER PRIZES and a 1 Mile Walk that has GAMES along the way!

 

MUSIC, WATER STATION & TENT at the start/finish area to ensure our particiapnts are pumped up and hydrated!

 

DATE | Saturday, August 15, 2026  * RAIN or SHINE EVENT *

 

TIME | 4:30 PM Race Day Registration Opens, 6:00 PM Event Kick-Off & 1 Mile & 7:00 PM 5K Run

 

LOCATION | Pickering Valley Elementary School 121 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425

 

REGISTRATION | $20 SUPER EARLY until March 31st & $30 Early Registration begins April 1st

 

The Summer Sendoff strives to strengthen community ties while raising funds and awareness for a local non-profit organization. BEST BUDDIES is the official Summer Sendoff non-profit recipient.  BEST BUDDIES is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

 

A portion of EVERY registration will be donated to BEST BUDDIES as we run and walk to raise money and awareness about the power of INCLUSIVITY. Since 2024 the Summer Sendoff has proudly donated over $4,500 to BEST BUDDIES thanks to our registered walkers and runners!

 

The Summer Sendoff was originally created as a Graduation Service Project in 2022 by Downingtown East and STEM Academy Cross Country and Track and Field Athletes. Today, the Summer Sendoff continues as a community tradition each August.