From a press release
The Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation calls for participants and invites the public to enjoy a day of family fun at the Brad Schoener MusicMan 5K Run & 1 Mile Spirit Walk on Saturday, May 20. This annual event, featuring live music, food trucks, and surprise guests in a carnival-like atmosphere, raises funding for music lessons, instruments, and summer music camp opportunities for children in Upper Darby who may not otherwise have access.
The event will take place in the picturesque Arlington Cemetery Field (behind the Toppitzer’s Funeral Home), easily accessible from State Road in Drexel Hill. Pre-race festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with the annual “Running of the Royals” fun run and feature delicious breakfast and lunch treats supplied by partners Five Points Coffee, East Coast Mini Donuts, and Calveras Street Tacos.
Families and children of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5K Run and 1-Mile Spirit Walk beginning shortly after the race starts. Participant registrations are now available at early-bird pricing through April 30.
New this year, 5K Run/Walk participants over 21 are invited to the “MusicMan 5K After Party” at Drexel Hill’s latest brewery, The Arsenal, located at 4221 Fern Blvd, Drexel Hill. The post-race party tickets, including live music and a free pint from Artillery Brewing, will be provided at the race registration tent. The Schoener MusicMan Festival and 5K Run/Walk run are made possible by many generous community sponsors and partners, including Cheng’s Martial Arts, Arlington Cemetery, Schaffer Sound, Linn Architects, Select Pension Services, and the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County.
Brad Schoener was a legendary music teacher in the Upper Darby School District who shared his passion for music with thousands of students, enriching lives and inspiring many to careers in music. Envisioning a day of energy, music, and family fun, Schoener’s memory lives on in this annual community-centered 5K race. The event is the primary fundraiser for the Schoener MusicMan Academy programs, which continue to grant Schoener’s wishes to provide lessons, instruments, and unique music experiences to Upper Darby children.
It is the vision of the Schoener MusicMan Academy to bring music and kinship to the community in an affordable and accessible way. MusicMan Academy programs include the flagship MusicMan camp, the Jazz Jam! Camp, Stay in Shape summer music lessons, and year-round adaptive creative arts Butterfly Buddy programs for children with special needs.
The Schoener MusicMan Academy is a program of the 501c3 nonprofit Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation, which has been serving the Upper Darby community for 25 years.
