Character Counts 5K, Fun Run and Sean Hughes Memorial Plaza Groundbreaking

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

Runners and walkers of all abilities, friends, and community members, please join us in honoring Dr. Sean Hughes at the second annual Character Counts 5K, Fun Run and Memorial Plaza Groundbreaking at Lower Merion High School on November 9, 2025.

🎯 Fundraising

• Create a Page: Participants can even create a personal or team fundraising page and compete with friends for a good cause!
• Donate: Just click the DONATE button at the top of this page (or on the last Registration page).
• Customize: You may personalize your page, add a story and photo!
• Prize: Prize for highest Fundraiser as of race day start time.

🎉 Past Participation

Last October, more than 300 runners and walkers participated in the inaugural Character Counts 5K and Fun Run to honor Dr. Sean A. Hughes. Thanks to the generous support of participants and sponsors, over $25,000 was raised for the development of the Sean Hughes Memorial Garden and Plaza on the campus of Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA. This year, the second annual event will culminate in a groundbreaking for that project. All are welcome. Race participation is not required to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Free tickets to the reception following the groundbreaking are generously sponsored by PJ Whelihans - Wynnewood. RSVP required.

📍 Location

LMHS track (Hap Arnold Field) Parking at LMHS

🏆 Awards

Overall and Age Groups

🥤 Amenities

• T-shirts: While supplies last (all registered before 10/31 will receive a t-shirt).
• Water Stops: Water stops on the loop.
• Awards: Awards for participants.
• Refreshments: Complimentary refreshments and groundbreaking ceremony immediately following the race awards.

📊 Race Results

Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.: Results will be found at http://www.brynmawrracing.com

🤝 Generous Sponsors

Generous Sponsors Include: PJ Whelihan's -Wynnewood and Lundy, Beldecos & Milby Law

💼 Sponsor Options

Click Here: https://runsignup.com/CreateRaceSponsor/151615/t/0KdJQwJDRIhdTdBxsnrVv9RDBdtUGCPW

💲 Cost

Any LMSD student who would like to participate but for whom the entry fee poses an economic burden should email Amy Buckman for financial aid: buckmaa@lmsd.org

📖 More about Sean

Sean A. Hughes, the beloved principal of Lower Merion High School for more than 14 years, was tragically killed on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. In addition to his legendary dedication to Lower Merion High School, Dr. Hughes is also remembered for his life-long love of running. On a daily basis for well over a decade, he was seen, often before dawn, running through the streets of Lower Merion and along Montgomery Avenue. He attended Cardinal O'Hara High School where he received awards and accolades for his running achievements, and he continued to run in his free time while at LaSalle University. Dr. Hughes also proudly completed the Broad Street run for over 20 years, and he was a co-chair of the Skippack Lions Club 5K run for a decade.

Dr. Hughes also served as President of the Central Athletic League and coached youth sports, including softball at Lower Perk Little League, basketball at Perk Valley Youth Basketball Organization, and soccer at Perkiomen Valley Soccer Club. Dr. Hughes shared the motto and belief that “character counts,” a message his students and young athletes surely will carry throughout their lives. It is not an overstatement to say his impact on our world is immeasurable.