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Kennett Run History

    The concept for this foot race originated in early 1989, when Rotarian Michael R. Perna proposed to the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Kennett Square that Rotary join with other Kennett area service clubs to host an event designed to accomplish three major goals:

1. The achievement of sustainable camaraderie among Kennett area service organizations and citizens, and the fostering of an esprit de corps among the ethnically, economically, and occupationally diverse groups that comprise our community:

2. The establishment of a fundraising vehicle that would net ever-increasing sums for expenditure to promote the general well-being and civic betterment of Kennett area residents, organizations and projects; and

3. The showcasing of the town of Kennett Square and its environs by drawing participants and spectators from the region, the nation and perhaps even the world.

    The leadership of Kennett Rotary, most notably Richard A. Sansbury, Robert A. Blackhall, Charles H. Weaver, Michael R. Perna and James P. Schultz, adopted the race proposal and designated the sum of $3,000 as seed money for this event, contingent upon the full participation of two other service clubs:  the Kennett Lions Club and the Kennett Area Jaycees.  Shortly after they were requested by Rotary to do so, these service clubs wholeheartedly endorsed the project by pledging their considerable administrative and human resources to bring the idea to fruition.

    Keith McGrath, then president of the Kennett Lions Club, was a staunch supporter of the race concept.  The 5K walk, one of the six events collectively referred to as "the Kennett Run", was later dubbed the "Keith McGrath Memorial Walk" after a tragic accident took his life only months after the first Kennett Run.

    Several years later, when an unfortunate turn of events resulted in the disbandment of the Kennett Area Jaycees, The Southern Chester County Exchange Club accepted the invitation to permanently fill the gap as a full partner along with the Kennett Rotary and Lions Club.

    The first year's events, held on April 21, 1990, consisted of a series of walks and runs ranging from 1 mile to 10K, were sponsored by approximately a dozen individuals and businesses, and attracted well over 100 participants, several hundred spectators, and approximately 50 volunteers.  Net proceeds approximated $1,500, after repayment to Rotary of its $3,000 "seed" contribution.