MCHM 13.1 and FUNGI 5 Miler
THE MUSHROOM CAP HALF
MARATHON FESTIVAL
Want to run for the Hill of It? Run Kennett Square! The Mushroom Half Marathon event invites you to explore the Mushroom Capital of the World this November 2nd.
Come explore our culture-rich city and truly experience The Mushroom Capital of the World. You will be treated to a one of a kind running experience enjoying Kennett Square’s unique neighborhoods, gorgeous country roads, horse farms, and rolling hills (some are steep!). Enjoy themed aid stations along the course with a fast, downhill finish and a community sponsored, post race festival. Run the Half Marathon or The 5 Miler, choose your distance.
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The Mushroom Cap Half Marathon event is perfect for locals, visitors, and families looking for a fun and unforgettable experience. Plus, you will be within proximity to restaurants, and shops!
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Registration is available online until 7:30am on race day, unless the event sells out. Remember, all packets must be picked up in person before Packet Pick Up closes at 7pm on November 1st.
RACE INFO
Half Marathon
Time: 8:00AM, Start Line: Birch and Church Alley
Time Limit: 3.5 Hours from participants start time
Travel through the Mushroom Capital of the world exploring the quaint borough of Kennett Square, quiet neighborhoods, country roads, turn of the century barns, historical Revolutionary War landmarks, and Mushroom Farms.
FunGi 5 Miler
Time: 8:00AM, Start Line: Birch and Church Alley
Time Limit: 3.5 Hours from participants start time
This is no ordinary 5 Miler! Experience Kennett Square's mushroom farms, historic homes, landmarks, and quaint streets as you run through city blocks surrounded by live Oak Trees 100+ years old.
COURSE CERTIFICATION
Runner Perks
Finisher Medal
Premium Runner Swag
Complimentary Finisher Beer
Post Race Nosh
Live Music
Community Post Race Festival
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Packet Pickup Details
Race week will kick off with two packet pickups!
Wednesday, October 30th 3-6pm @ Philadelphia Runner Glen Mills
Join us at Philadelphia Runner in Glen Mills, Pa for packet pick up, 10% store purchases, complimentary GU Energy Gels, and hydration samples.
Location: 505 Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills Pa 19342
Friday, November 1st from 5-7PM
Join us in Kennett at The Square for packet pickup, and pre-race day entertainment.
Location: The Square @ The Race Zone (The New Borough Municipality Parking Lot) 600 South Broad Street, Kennett Square Pa 19348
*Saturday, November 2nd (pre-race) from 6:30-7:35am sharp
Race Day packet pickup is limited to out of town runners ONLY.
If you are a local runner and you pickup your packet on race morning between 7:00-7:45am there will be a required $10 donation to the Kennett Square Police Department.
Parking
Friday Night, park within The Square.
Saturday refer to race day parking (see below)
Race Pricing
Registration is available online until 7:45am on Saturday, November 2nd. Packet pickup available October 30th and November 1st.
Half Marathon
$75 Black Friday Sale
$85 April Fools Day Sale
$105 4/2 through 11:59pm on 7/1
$115 7/2 through 11:59pm on 10/2
$120 10/3 through 11:59pm on 11/1
$125 Race Day
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FUNGI 5 Miler
$35 Black Friday Sale
$55 April Fools Day Sale
$60 4/2 through 11:59 on 7/1
$65 7/2 through 11:59 on 10/2
$70 through 11:59 on 11/1
$75 Race Day
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Running as a Team
Have a large group? Interested in starting a Shroomie Team?
Having the support of your shroomies during your training and race is priceless. Regardless of when your teammates register, the entire group will get a $10 refund once your team reaches 10 or more members. The refund will go directly back to the card used to pay for registration. PLUS there’s potential for teams to win extra prizes and deals.
How Does it Work?
When registering you will have the option to Join a Group/Team. All Members of a TEAM are linked by their team name and password. As your team grows, everyone benefits, even those who register first! The system will automatically refund everyone on the team who has already registered and charge the new team members the new rate. Once you hit 10 shroomies, the first 9 to register will automatically receive a $10 refund to their card, and the 10th member (and anyone else who registers after that!) will get the discounted rate automatically. Registrants that do not initially register with their group may not be eligible for refunds or discounts.
Race Parking
For race day, participants and spectators can park in the following lots:
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Kennett High School located off of South Street & Union Street (PA 82)
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The YMCA Outdoor Swimming Pool Lot located on South Walnut Street
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The Municipal Parking Lot located on East Linden & North Union Street
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CARS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PARK ON RACE ROADS AND WILL BE TICKED & TOWED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE
Please note that Kennett High School and The YMCA Lots fill up quickly! The Municipal Lot is approximately 1/2 of a mile from the race start.
See Parking Map
Gear Check
Opens @ 7:00AM & Closes @ 12:00pm
Before you line up to run, drop-off your pre-race/post-race clothing and belongings at the Gear Check. While you run, your gear will be held at Gear Check. Participants may pick up their Gear Check bag at Packet Pick Up when you pick up your packet or on race day at the Gear Check tent. The Gear Check tent will be located inside the Square within the post-race party area. Attach your bib number tear-off on your bag before you leave it with the Gear Check crew. After the race, reclaim your checked bag at the designated Gear Check area. Please note: DO NOT leave valuables, cash or jewelry in your gear bag. The event is not responsible for any lost items. Gear bags must be claimed before 12:00 PM on race day.
Course Rules
To ensure the safety and well being of others during the race, please adhere to the following: No dogs, bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, jogging strollers or unauthorized wheeled vehicles will be permitted on the Half Marathon or 5 Mile course.
If you like to listen to music while you run, for your safety and others’, please be aware of your surroundings.
Minimum age requirements: Half marathon – 14, 5 Miler – 10
Water Stations
Together with the help of our community partners, our water stations bring runners smiles, cheers, high fives, support and nourishment. This year there will be multiple water stations along the half marathon route, with two of them located on the 5 Miler course. Water stations will provide water and electrolytes. Be it zombies, superheros, or local shroomies cheering you on, this year’s aid stations are guaranteed to rock you on!
Port-A-Pots
There will be port-a-pots at the start/finish of the race and along the half marathon and 5 mile course. Detailed information will be sent to runners prior to race day.
Chip Time
MCHM is using a timing system provided by Fusion Racing . Runners who wish to receive a time must pick up their bib/timing chip from Packet Pick Up on during the scheduled packet pick-up times.
Please ensure the following in order to receive an accurate time:
• Race bib is clearly visible on the front of the torso
• Race bib is unaltered and unmodified (do not fold or wrinkle)
• Race bib is pinned on all four corners
• Race bib is not covered (jackets, runner belts, water bottles, etc.)
Awards
Awards will be presented to the participants of the Half Marathon & The FunGI 5 Miler in the following categories:
-Top overall female & male finisher
-Top overall master’s female (40+) finisher
-Top overall master’s male (40+) finisher
Please Note: Overall Winners will be excluded in the Age Group category.
Fresh Local Mushrooms will be awarded to the top 3 males and females in their age groups.
Half Marathon Age Group Awards:
-19 & Under
-20-29
-30-39
-40-49
-50-59
-60-69
-70+
FunGI Half Marathon Age Group Awards:
-10-15
-16-19
-20-29
-30-39
-40-49
-50-59
-60-69
-70+
Transfer / Deferral / Refund/ Insurance
Run2Shine, the producer of this event, works on this run year-round to ensure a fun and safe environment. Almost all race supplies and services must be purchased well in advance of race day. We have worked hard to make sure there are options available while also being sure we can continue to produce the best quality event year after year.
All transfers must be approved by Run2Shine. A refund, deferral or transfer can only be requested up to the deadline listed on the event website. Refunds cannot be processed if the event has already taken place. This year we are offering runner insurance. Life happens and can sidetrack even the best laid plans!
Post Race Festival
Location: The Square @ 600 South Broad Street
After passing the finish line, stick around for the Festival to receive your medal, hydrate, find snacks, grub on local delights, stretch, listen to live music, recover in the beer garden! Beer Garden opens at 9:00am & gates close at 1:00pm
SPONSORS
Thank you to all of the sponsors and partners of the MCHM and FunGI 5 Miler! These relationships and the enthusiasm of the Kennett Square’s community and participants make this event possible!
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OFFICIAL PARTNER SPONSORS
Run2Shine believes in offering businesses the unique opportunity to become an Official Partner within the event. We will create custom unique packages for businesses interested in health & wellness, product exclusivity, brand recognition, community outreach and/or corporate volunteer opportunities.
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WHY BECOME A SPONSOR?
Join the movement and connect your brand with the running community of Southern Chester County. Hundreds of runners will get to know you and your brand. The Mushroom Cap Half Marathon is an exciting place to connect with the local community and promote your cause and business. Southern Chester County is centrally located between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York, making it an attractive destination race for runners across the country.
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MCHM + HICCUP
By joining forces with Hiccup Earth, we are taking a crucial step towards reducing our carbon footprint and minimizing our impact of plastic cups on the environment. Hiccup Earth is a pioneering reusable cup service that aims to eliminate the need for single-use plastic cups in landfills and recycling plants.
CHARITY PARTNERS
Run2Shine, a non-profit 501(c)(3), was started in 2015 by local avid runners, Karen DiMascola, Kara Gibbons & Sarah Nurry. Runners who love running as much as they love giving. Together with the help of their community, Run2Shine produces The MCHM, an annual racing event that brings over 3000 people into Kennett Square celebrating all things running, mushrooms, health, community and giving. To date, Run2Shine has donated $69,500 to local charitable partners that support members of local Chester County communities through advocacy, education, health, and aid to families in need.
Run2Shine is excited to offer the opportunity for non-profit organizations to utilize our event for your fundraising purposes.
For more information on our Run4Good Program, please email us.
Together we can run to stop food insecurity and hunger.
VOLUNTEER
Join the MCHM volunteer team! Your volunteer time benefits runners, walkers, guests and staff by providing help in a variety of areas, including course safety, start & finish line, packet pick-up, information and water distribution. And just as importantly, volunteers provide the energy and enthusiasm to help encourage our runners to the finish line!
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Our volunteer shifts will take place at Packet Pick Up on October 30th & November 1st and on Race Day, November 2, 2024. Volunteers will receive an official volunteer t-shirt, refreshments during the shift and a huge thank you from the race team!
By helping to make the MCHM Event a successful community event, our full team of volunteers, staff, and supporters also help create economic opportunities for Kennett Square and Chester County by way of the number of runners and guests visiting Kennett Square for the race.
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If you are in need of service hours, please consider helping us on race day!