Summer Sendoff 5K & 1 Mile

Race Overview

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!

Course Information

• Watch Video: Watch our NEW flyover video to see the 5K course route and elevation map!
• Timing: Proud to announce 2L Race Services RETURNS as the Premier Timing Company of the 2026 Summer Sendoff 5K Race!
• Comfort: MUSIC, WATER STATION &: TENT at the start/finish area to ensure our participants are pumped up and hydrated!

Event Details

• 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: $30 Early Registration until July 5th

Participant Amenities

Every registered participant can expect:

• T-Shirt: 2026 Summer Sendoff DriFit T-SHIRT
• Prizes: CASH PRIZES for Top 3 Overall Male/Female finishers
• Medals: for the Top 3 finishers in EACH age group (9 &: under to 70+)
• Raffle: amazing Raffle Baskets and BIB NUMBER PRIZES

After-Party Information

CELEBRATE AT LIBERTY UNION AFTER THE SUMMER SENDOFF | After crossing the finish line, head to Liberty Union Bar &: Grill Chester Springs for the official Summer Sendoff after-party!

• Free Beer: for Participants (21+) – Show your 5K or 1 Mile race bib to receive one complimentary beer.
• Dine &: Donate: Liberty Union will donate 15% of all sales to BEST BUDDIES, our official Summer Sendoff nonprofit (Dine in Only 7:30-11:00PM)

Celebrate your accomplishment, grab a bite, raise a glass, and help support an incredible cause... all in one stop! Thank you to Liberty Union for supporting the Summer Sendoff and helping make a difference in our community!

Charitable Cause

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!

History of the Event

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.

More Information

For more details, visit the official race page at Summer Sendoff 5K &: 1 Mile.