Summer Sendoff 5K & 1 Mile

🌞 Race Overview

The 4th 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!

🏆 Timing and Prizes

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

• Participant Perks: Every registered participant can expect a 2026 Summer Sendoff T-SHIRT.
• Cash Prizes: Cash prizes for Top 3 Overall Male/Female finishers.
• Medals: Medals for the Top 3 finishers in EACH age group (9 & under to 70+).
• Exciting Raffles: Amazing raffle baskets and bib number prizes.

🎶 Event Features

*NEW* to this year':s event: MUSIC, WATER STATION & TENT at the start/finish area to ensure our participants are pumped up and hydrated!

📅 Date and Time

• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 * RAIN or SHINE EVENT *
• Race Day Registration Opens: 4:30 PM
• Event Kick-Off & 1 Mile: 6:00 PM
• 5K Run: 7:00 PM

📍 Location

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

📝 Registration

$30 Early Registration NOW OPEN! Register here.

❤️ Community Impact

The Summer Sendoff strives to strengthen community ties while raising funds and awareness for a local non-profit organization. BEST BUDDIES is the 2026 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. The 2025 Summer Sendoff proudly donated over $2,000 to BEST BUDDIES thanks to our 225+ registered walkers and runners!

🎓 Event Origins

The Summer Sendoff was created as a Graduation Service Project in 2022 by Downingtown East and STEM Academy Cross Country and Track and Field Athletes.