Spring in Newtown Square means so many wonderful community happenings, and this year the Friends of Newtown Public Library are inviting every friend and neighbor to join a celebration that combines fitness, imagination and support for our beloved library. On Sunday, April 19th, the Once Upon a Run event will take place on Campus Boulevard, bringing neighbors of all ages together for an afternoon of running, walking, fun and festival activities that benefit the Newtown Public Library.
The Once Upon a Run event is organized entirely by Friends of Newtown Public Library, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Their mission is to support the library’s programs and resources in ways that are not covered by the regular operating budget. By participating in this event, community members are helping provide support for children’s programming, digital resources, cultural events and other services that make the Newtown Public Library a hub of learning and gathering for families and individuals alike.
Cindi Young is the Event Chair of Once Upon a Run and President of Friends of the Newtown Public Library. “The idea of a 5k came up during a fundraising brainstorming session last spring,” Cindi explained. “We determined that it was worthy of exploring, so I immediately got to work.” That work included reaching out to area libraries that had previously held 5K runs and community fundraising events. Cindi also reached out for advice from event directors for Newtown Square Fire Company’s Pints In the Square and Newtown Square Business Association’s Circle at Sundown.
With some very valuable information in hand, it was time to enlist the help and expertise of Ken Taylor from The Running Place and Ryan Walsh from Bryn Mawr Racing Company. “Both Ken and Ryan offered valuable advice and expert guidance on course creation, race packet distribution and how to make our event stand out from the rest.” Next up was marketing and promotional support. “We feel like we hit the jackpot when local graphic designer and dedicated community advocate, Pam Purser, offered to join our team,” Cindi said. “Pam has been a fabulous asset. She designed our beautiful logo and all of our amazing print materials. We cannot thank her enough!”
Another especially exciting aspect of this year’s festival and run is a raffle drawing to win tickets to the 2026 PGA Championship, happening this May, at Aronimink Golf Club. There are four pairs of tickets available for the raffle, and they are being sold in person at the Newtown Public Library. There is a limited number of raffle tickets, so don’t delay. Your support in this raffle helps raise additional funds for library initiatives. You do not need to be present at the festival to win, as winners will be contacted after the drawing. This gives residents another opportunity to support the library while having the chance to enjoy an extraordinary sporting experience close to home.
This storybook-themed event begins in the afternoon with a 5K run at 3pm, which is open to runners and walkers of all levels. Whether you are training for a personal best or simply want to enjoy a brisk afternoon run, this course offers something for everyone. The course is planned with safety and enjoyment in mind, and those who participate are encouraged to wear creative costumes that reflect beloved storybook characters from childhood favorites or more recent tales. Costume-wearing not only adds to the magical spirit of the day but also reinforces the event’s theme of celebrating stories and reading while supporting the library that nurtures lifelong learning for residents.
Shortly after the start of the 5K, participants in the one-mile walk take to the course. This portion of the event welcomes neighbors who prefer a more leisurely pace or who want to involve younger family members who are not quite ready for the full distance run. The one-mile walk begins about five minutes after the start of the 5K and offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy community connections while contributing to a worthy cause. Later in the afternoon, there is a dedicated kids’ run, giving children an opportunity to experience their own race at their own pace. The children’s run is free to enter and is a fun way for kids to engage in active play and healthy competition.
After the races conclude, the Once Upon a Run Festival opens from 4 to 7pm with a costume parade at 5pm led by Grand Marshal, Bluey! Food and beverage options are available for those who have registered for that portion of the event, and free entertainment is provided for everyone. “The entertainment committee has some exciting activities planned, such as mobile axe throwing, miniature golf, a photo booth, children’s story times, crafts, quizzo, yoga and much more,” Cindi said. The festival atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for celebration after the physical activity of the run and walk. Costumes continue to be welcomed, and seeing the colorful array of storybook-inspired attire adds to the festive energy throughout the afternoon.
The Once Upon a Run event also brings local businesses and sponsors into the fold. Support from area partners makes it possible to deliver a high-quality experience for participants and ensures that the funds raised have maximum impact for the library. Sponsors this year include Boiron USA, Bonefish Grill, Porsche Main Line and the 2026 PGA Championship, among others. Their involvement reflects a strong sense of community investment in programs that enrich life in Newtown Square and its surrounding areas.
The Once Upon a Run event is open to anyone who wants to join. Registration is available online, and prices vary by age and event type, with discounted rates for registrations received before February 28th. Whether you are planning to run the race walk with family or simply enjoy the festival atmosphere on a warm April afternoon, you are sure to f ind connection and joy at this community celebration.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 19th, and consider how you might be part of this magical community event. It is a delightful way to welcome spring, support our local library and spend quality time with friends and neighbors. Bring your sneakers, bring your imagination and bring your love for our Newtown Public Library to Once Upon a Run in Newtown Square. For more information and to register for the event, please visit OnceUponARun.org.