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When it comes to marathons, a boring course can make those miles really drag. Boredom proved the prevailing feeling for long-distance runners Sarah Nurry and Karen DiMascola after one particular race. So they decided to create their own event, traversing Kennett Square and paying homage to the borough’s fungi obsession.
The result: the Mushroom Cap Half Marathon, which debuted last year as an offshoot of their nonprofit organization, Run2Shine. Last year’s event had 700 runners—most of them local, with a handful coming from Utah, Florida and Virginia. The event raised $17,000, which was distributed to local charities, with a focus on needy families.
Nurry and DiMascola expect to see even more runners at this year’s race, which is slated for Nov. 4. Those not up the long haul can tag-team the 13.1 miles in the relay race. The Mushroom Cap begins and ends at Kennett High School, and the course is anything but boring. “It’s a mix of terrain,” says Nurry. “One part is rocky gravel country road, and then it opens up into these gorgeous rolling hills.”
Following the race, runners, volunteers and spectators can head to a post-race celebration hosted at the Creamery. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Family Promise of Southern Chester County, the Garage Community and Youth Center, Kennett Education Foundation and the Weekly Fight.
To learn more, visit www.runksqmushroomcap.com.
