Key takeaways
This season brings six fun race events to West Chester:
- Rams Let’s Walk 5K, September 20th, at West Chester University
- Asha Jyothi 5K, September 20th, at West Goshen Community Park
- Unite For Her Run/Walk, October 17th, on Gay Street
- Cider Run 5K, November 7th, at Highland Orchards
- Chester County Turkey Trot, November 26th, at Downingtown West High School
- West Chester Turkey Trot, November 26th, in Downtown West Chester
The fall semester always brings back some of the most popular sports. Not only do we watch professional sports, but we see our West Chester University teams return.
However, sports in West Chester extend beyond our college’s athletics. Community runs, walks, and races give students an opportunity to exercise and get involved in sports while connecting with the local West Chester community.
As college students, we have to balance school, work, and social lives, so finding ways to manage stress is crucial. To that point, studies show that exercise, and more specifically running and walking, can be very beneficial for managing stress.
Running and walking can not only give you an opportunity to take a break from stress but also to get outside and stay active. The West Chester area offers many events this Fall to help you reap all these benefits.
Rams Let’s Walk: A 5k run and walk to support mental health
One of the first community events takes place right here on campus: Rams Let’s Walk will happen on September 20th. This event is a 5K run and walk focused on supporting student-athlete mental health.
The race was founded by Kaitlin Hatch and Jessica Meakim in 2019 after recognizing the passion and need for mental health support for student athletes. Organizations like The Hidden Opponent, Team Impact, Lax-4-Life, and the WCU Counseling Center Set up tables before and after the race to provide resources for support.
Students can participate with friends, invite their family members, or anyone else in the community. Charity events like this can show how sports and exercise can bring the community and the university together for a good cause.
Asha Jyothi 3K Walk/Run, 5K Run and 1K Fun Run
Got younger siblings or cousins? They can join you in West Chester for the 8th annual 5K run and walk hosted by Asha Jyothi.
This organization works to support communities through healthcare and education. The original outlook was to support Indian students facing sudden medical emergencies in the US but eventually shifted its focus to provide long-term health care and education to children.
The 5K gives people an opportunity to stay active while supporting those who are in need.
The Asha Jyothi 5K will take place on September 20th at West Goshen Community Park. Participants are given the option to run or walk, making the event accessible to all.
This event gives university students the chance to get outside campus and visit one of the local community parks while getting involved with the community.
Unite For Her Run/Walk
Another opportunity for students to get involved and support a good cause is the 14th Annual Unite For Her Run/Walk.
Unite For Her is a nonprofit organization that supports women who have been affected by breast and ovarian cancers. This organization provides integrative therapies, emotional support, nutrition, and wellness services to people with these cancers across the country.
The 14th Annual Unite For Her Run/Walk will take place on October 17th on Gay Street. This event will shut down streets of downtown West Chester for the largest run and walk that invites everyone to participate. By participating in this event, you can stay active while supporting the fight against breast and ovarian cancer nationwide.
Cider Run 5k
Along with events that support great causes, there are also local races that give students the chance to enjoy the fall season while being involved with the community. The 8th Annual Cider Run 5K will take place in the scenic West Chester countryside this fall.
This event takes place November 7th at Highland Orchards. Not only does this location offer an aesthetic fall racing atmosphere on the trails, but it also offers free donuts and apple cider.
This race offers an opportunity to get outside with friends and experience the beautiful weather changes that fall has to bring and support a good cause.
The 5K supports Coatesville children and helps their ability to pursue bright futures through affordable preschool, afterschool programming, and free full-day summer camps.
The Turkey Trot Races
If you are in town on Thanksgiving morning, don’t miss the chance to participate in one of West Chester’s favorite holiday traditions: the West Chester Turkey Trot.
This final event of the fall semester gives students the opportunity to race right here in the borough. This event raises money for residents in the area who need support and promotes local engagement and community support. The goal of the cause is to support community enrichment and revitalization through the West Chester Downtown Foundation.
This event takes place on November 26th in downtown West Chester. Participants can race a 5K in two different waves, as well as walk a 2K. The course takes you through the heart of the town, highlighting some of its brightest spots walking distance from campus. This race is a great way to connect directly with West Chester, as it is a popular holiday event that helps its own people in the community.
If you happen to be in the Downingtown area that day, you can take part in a sister event called the Chester County Turkey Trot.
The Chester County Turkey Trot takes place November 26th at Downingtown West High School’s campus. Participants have the option to run the 5K race in two different speed waves or a 2K walk. This event brings the community together on Thanksgiving, allowing racers to meet different people and support the Cure4Cam Hero Fund that honors Cameron Evans, a Downingtown West cross-country teammate who lost his battle with Leukemia in 2012.
With so many races and walks happening throughout the fall semester, West Chester University students get more than just an opportunity to exercise. These events can also help students get more involved with the local community, support charitable causes, meet new people, and take a break from the classroom.