Revolutionary Run To Step Off July 4th At Washington Crossing Park

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — On Friday, more than 1,000 runners will hit the streets of historic Washington Crossing Historic Park for the 43rd Revolutionary Run.

"It's a great way to get into the July Fourth spirit," said Matthew McElroy. "You'll be running through history.

The event takes place on Independence Day, Friday, July 4 with a one-mile fun run for parents, grandparents and families; a 5K Race for hearty runners; and a 10K Race for downright serious runners, each taking place amid the historic surroundings of Washington Crossing Historic Park.

“What’s really cool is that it takes place in historic Washington Crossing. There is no other race in
the world that can say you’ll be running right where Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware,” said Kevin Brooks, the chairman of the Revolutionary Run and a member of the Upper Makefield Business Association, the organization that stages the event. “People dress up in red, white and blue. It’s really fun to participate in and to watch.”

A Washington Crossing Park re-enactor fires a musket shot to start the race.

The race attracts and young and the old. This year's oldest registrant is 88 years old. The youngest is just months old.

Enjoying watermelon following the race.

The community also embraces the run, said committee member Matthew McElroy. “This race is especially cool in the way the residents embrace it. It’s special. They play music out in front of their homes with their families cheering everyone on. They’re clanging pots and pans. Some set up tables and hand out water. It’s something the community enjoys and looks forward to as much as the runners.”

The other cool thing, adds McElroy, is that the whole community gets involved. “You have Washington Crossing Park, the Delaware Canal, Upper Makefield Township, the business community, our first responders, the residents. Everyone just comes together."

According to McElroy, proceeds are donated back into the community through its Sunshine Fund, which provides grants to community causes; its Scholarship Fund, which benefits graduating seniors from Council Rock, Central Bucks, Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Morrisville, and New Hope-Solebury; and its First Responder Fun. They also make donations to the park and to the Upper Makefield Fire Company.

Speaking of first responders, the Newtown Ambulance Squad, which covers Upper Makefield, will be debuting its bicycle response unit at the Revolutionary Run.

Three bicycles, equipped with life-saving medical equipment, will be patrolling through the crowds and will be available for anyone who requires emergency services.

The Newtown Ambulance Squad will be trading its squad for bikes during this year's Revolutionary Run. (Revolutionary Run)

Last year, the organization raised upwards of $75,000, all of which was invested back into the community. Recent donations have helped purchase a high-water vehicle for the township and its emergency responders.

That purchase was made in response to the July 2023 flash flood along Route 532 that took the lives of seven people who were caught by surprise by a surge of water that turned Hough's Creek into a
raging torrent.

The organization has also used money from its Sunshine Fund to support the family of a local man who is disabled from the neck down from a swimming accident. They also gave $1,000 in gift
cards to the family of a plumber who was hit by a truck and won’t be able to work for up to a year.

“This is about giving back,” said McElroy. “This is our way of supporting the community and giving back to make the community an even better place to live and do business.”

Since its founding in 1968, the Upper Makefield Business Association has been “a silent, positive contributor to a lot of great philanthropic causes over the years,” said Brooks. “With this upcoming Run we’re going to raise even more money to give back to the community.”

And we couldn’t do what we’re doing without our key sponsors” who have stepped forward year after year to make the Revolutionary Run a success, adds McElroy.

This year's sponsors include Capital Health and Team Toyota, platinum sponsors; Johnson Kendall Johnson and Brick & Kyle, gold medal sponsors; Fred Beans, Bryce Wealth Management, and Genesis Personal Fitness, silver medal sponsors; and T&T Tree Service, RIA Regional Insurance Associates, Wegmans, Have A Heart Foundation and Laundry Depot, bronze medal sponsors.

Participants can register up to midnight on July 3 to get the discounted rate of $45. Late arrivals will be welcomed on the morning of July the Fourth at the higher fee of $50. Race day registration begins at 6:30. Everyone who registers will get a commemorative t-shirt and other swag to take some as a memento of the race.

The Fun Run steps off at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8:15 and the 10K at 8:45 a.m. For complete information and to register, click here.