Radnor Run Raises Over $87,000 for American Lung Association – Top Media News

RADNOR — Frost covered the tips of the Enke Park grass near the Radnor Township building early Sunday morning and temperatures began to reach 30 degrees. But crisp fall air will soon be followed by sun-drenched skies accenting the park’s vibrant foliage, and conditions will prove ideal for the hundreds of runners and walkers participating in the American Lung Association’s 45th annual Radnor Run.

This year’s races and walks attracted 528 participants: 315 in the Radnor 5 Mile Run, 68 in the One Mile Time Trial and 145 in the 2 Mile Walk. The cross-country course began and ended in front of Radnor Township and wound through Wayne’s neighborhood. Now in its second year, the relaxing Trail Walk has been held along Radnor’s paved, tree-lined path.

“The American Lung Association is thrilled to be a part of this long-standing tradition,” said Caroline Hutchinson, executive director of the Pennsylvania Lung Association. “It was a great day and a great turnout of sponsors, runners, walkers and volunteers. We are very grateful for the support of Radnor Township and the community!”

For the landmark race, a certified 5 mile time trial, Mike Padilla, 48, of Phoenixville took home the trophy for fastest male runner with a time of 28:33. The trophy, which debuts this year, honors Emlen Tunnell, a Garrett Hill native and Radnor High School graduate who became an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and later a pioneering coach.

Grace Moore, 24, of Wayne won the Jody Cup in 28:18 as the fastest female runner. The trophy is named in honor of Radnor resident Jodi Lynn Sack.

Other CLM award winners included the 29-member team affiliated with Wayne’s Club La Maison, which received the Fitness Center Challenge trophy.

This year’s Radnor Run, which was founded by Radnor Township in the late 1970s, raised more than $87,000, according to early estimates.

Proceeds from the Radnor Run support anti-tobacco advocacy, including vaping, and research into COVID-19, COPD, lung cancer and asthma, among other lung diseases.

“All of this fundraising has made a difference,” said Dr. John M. Vasudevan, who works in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine at Penn Medicine Radnor. Penn Medicine is a longtime sponsor of the event.

“I’m really proud of everyone who came out,” said Dr. Rocklan D. Walker, founder of I|M Health in Wayne, a community health center and sponsor of the event.
Walker explained that the fundraiser is personal to him, as he lost his father to lung cancer 10 years ago.

And this year’s top fundraiser was Radnor resident Paul O’Connor, who raised a total of $12,694 with his team. O’Connor, who is chairman of the Radnor Run Committee and co-owner of Radnor Apt Management, a real estate investment and management company, said his enthusiasm for raising funds for the American Lung Association is a collaborative effort: “We are very grateful and appreciate the support of our family, friends and colleagues.