4th Annual Twilight Walk/Run Brings Together St. Pius Supporters

BROOMALL–Family and friends of the  gathered together Friday night for the 4^th Annual Twilight Trek 5K run and one mile fitness walk. The course wound runners of all ages and all levels through the quaint, but hilly, neighborhoods of Lawrence Road. Participants and their supporters were treated to a pre-race warm-up party and post-race celebration block party.

The event originated four years ago when St. Pius X faculty, staff and parents decided to create an event to bring together their community. In the first year, they hoped for about 50 participants. This year, they had more than 100 runners and walkers, and dozens more to cheer on the participants.

Event organizer, Brian Gebey, says he’s thrilled about the growing success of the Twilight trek, and is proud to be a part of it.

“I’m a runner, my family is in the parish, and my kids go to school here. The proceeds go to their extracurricular activities, so it’s a great way for me to give back. For me, for the runners, the walkers, the volunteers, it’s fun for everyone,” Gebey says. “I feel instant gratification.”

The runners seemed to be having a great time as well.

Jennifer Zuccato and her family, who are friendly with Gebey, came all the way from Woolwich Township, NJ, to support the cause.

“I think it’s awesome. It’s a great time for kids. They’re playing, running, walking. There’s older kids, younger kids, plus it’s at night which is good for us coming from work,” says Zuccato.

Zuccato adds that the course was definitely challenging. Fellow runner and St. Pius parent, Melissa Eife, of Havertown, couldn’t agree more.

“There were lots of hills, but I’m happy. I like a challenge,” Eife says.

The course was mapped out by Run the Day, which is a professional, all-inclusive company that sets up all logistics, from sign-ups to day-of race management, to race results.

Gebey says he couldn’t be more pleased how Run the Day planned every detail perfectly.

He also commends for their hard work.

“We had full cooperation of the police. They helped keep everyone safe along the route, especially crossing Lawrence Road,” Gebey says.

Once the last walker crossed the finish line, it was party time and time to celebrate the participants.

The block party featured dinner, live entertainment by Hugh and Alicia Sweeney, and Newtown Square’s specialty running store, .

The Running Place’s co-owner, Bill Frawley, grabbed the top award in the overall male category.

“It was fun, and definitely challenging with a lot of hills,” Frawley says.

First place in the female overall category went to Jen McLuckle. Each received $100 for finishing at the top. About two dozen more awards were given out for different age groups in both the male and female categories.