Pottstown’s Manion Runners Got Soaked But Had Fun

Runners braved the rain to be able to finish the 5-K run

by Tammy Auman
for The Post Publications

POTTSTOWN PA – Volunteers were out in force Saturday (Sept. 8, 2012), on High Street and at Pottstown Borough Hall, as fund-raisers for the Travis Manion Foundation did their best to abide by its motto to “honor the fallen, by challenging the living” during a 5-kilometer run and walk.

Manion, formerly of Doylestown PA, was a U.S. Marine killed April 29, 2007, by sniper fire during his third tour of duty in Iraq. “If not me, then who?,” he often asked. In that spirit his mother created the foundation to help others that serve the nation both home and abroad. Saturday’s supportive run in Pottstown was one of almost 50 held in various cities over the weekend.

Runners take off down High Street

Many families joined in the event. Even young children, too little to walk, were pushed in strollers or pulled in wagons and went along for the ride as their parents ran.

The day started a little breezy but dry. Shortly after the racers left Borough Hall, however, the skies opened up with a heavy downpour. That didn’t slow them down. They braved the storm, and the first runner came in less than 20 minutes after the group started; the last, within 45 minutes of the start.

For more information, or to support the cause, visit the foundation’s website, here.

A color guard presents the flags during the opening ceremonies

Participants sign in

Photos by Tammy Auman for The Post Publications