The Friends of Reading Hospital announced that the Reading Hospital Road Run event on Sunday, October 17 will return as an in-person event this year. In 2020, the event was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 event will consist of a Half Marathon, 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and the “Go-the-Distance” challenge. The start and finish of the course will be on Seventh Avenue at Reading Hospital. The half marathon will begin at 8 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-mile fun run/walk gets underway at 8:10 a.m. A post-race celebration and awards ceremony will be held following the event.

All race participants will enjoy fast and runner-friendly courses down the tree-lined streets of West Reading and Wyomissing, with the half marathon passing additional highlights throughout Greater Reading. Registration is now open and discounted rates are available through Sunday, August 22.

The Friends of Reading Hospital President Sharon Keating said, "We are so grateful to the sponsors and runners of this year’s event. The proceeds from Road Run will be used to help fund hospital and community projects supported by The Friends. The Friends are proud to be part of some innovative and life-saving projects in our community.”

Participants are encouraged to sign up early to take advantage of lower registration costs and to ensure they receive a race shirt. The race will feature instant result timing. In addition, all 5K and half marathon participants will receive a dry fit shirt when they register. All half marathon finishers will receive a finisher's medal, and cash prizes will be given to the top three male and female finishers of the half marathon and the 5K. Additional prizes will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group and team division of both races.

"We look forward to welcoming the community back for an in person run in October,” said Beth Kohl, 2021 Reading Hospital Road Run Chair and The Friends of Reading Hospital Board member. "We are also offering the ‘Go-the-Distance Challenge’ during the month of October for those that would like to participate virtually. Individuals have the option to run or walk a total of 31, 62, or 131 miles throughout the month of October.”

Online registration is open now. Please visit RhRoadRun.com for more information and registration.

Reading Hospital will follow the COVID-19 safety guidance from the CDC and PA DOH. Final recommendations will be shared with runners and spectators prior to the event.

 

About Reading Hospital

Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, Tower Health Transplant Institute, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians and providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for five consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.