Come run with us - virtually! The annual Reading Hospital Road Run, hosted by The Friends of Reading Hospital, will transition to a virtual event this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by Diamond Credit Union, participants of the 2020 Virtual Road Run Challenge will be able to register to complete the standard 1-mile, 5K, or half marathon distances, on any route of their choosing, at any time between October 17 and October 31, 2020.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, proceeds from registrations for this year's event will be directed toward a fundraising project in cooperation with the Reading Hospital Foundation to purchase a Reading Hospital Mobile Mammography Coach, increasing access to important preventive health services for women. The Mobile Mammography Coach bus will travel to various locations throughout the community, offering more women a convenient way to receive a 3D mammogram.
"Although this year's race format may look a little different, we still anticipate another fun and successful event," says Beth Kohl, 2020 Reading Hospital Road Run Chair and The Friends of Reading Hospital Board Member. "The virtual event still includes everything runners have come to love about Reading Hospital Road Run, but participants can now pick their own scenic race courses and enjoy the beautiful fall weather with friends and family wherever they are, whenever it is convenient for them, knowing they are staying safe and supporting a great cause."
Just as the traditional in-person event, all participants will receive a race shirt, a race bib, a race medal, and other goodies, in a race package mailed to their homes in advance of the event.
Having been a Tower Sponsor for Reading Hospital Road Run for many years, Diamond Credit Union is proud to sponsor this year's virtual run. "We are honored to again sponsor this incredible event for the Reading community," says Diamond Credit Union President and CEO John Faust. "Although we cannot all run together, we can still come together as a community and continue to support the initiatives of The Friends of Reading Hospital in new ways."
"Reading Hospital Road Run is an important fundraising event that our community looks forward to each October," added William M. Jennings, President and CEO, Reading Hospital. "We are excited to have the opportunity to offer this event virtually and continue to support the health and wellness initiatives of The Friends of Reading Hospital and the Reading Hospital Foundation."
This year, The Friends of Reading Hospital, an association of dedicated community leaders, is celebrating its 130th Anniversary. The Friends of Reading Hospital focuses on raising funds through events like Reading Hospital Road Run to support and enhance Reading Hospital's promise of "Advancing Health. Transforming Lives." By funding health and wellness programs, grants, and initiatives, The Friends have made a powerful and sustainable impact on the hospital, its patients, and the surrounding community, and are resolved to continue this support for years to come. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, the event will also include the 130 Mile Challenge, which offers a special incentive for anyone who runs or walks 130 miles throughout the month of October.
Additional information, registration details, and a full list of sponsors and community partners that make this event possible can be found at rhroadrun.com.
Beth Kohl is available for media interviews.
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, 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 four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.