Ten years, over $100,000 donated, and a community that keeps showing up. The Ringer Run 5K returns to Chester Springs on Thursday, June 11.

We recently sat down with Michael Hughes at Pocket Park in Chester Springs to talk about the 10th Annual Ringer Run, and we wanted to share this with our community because it's one of the most meaningful events happening in Chester County this year.

The story behind the Ringer Run. In 2016, Michael and a group of close friends lost someone they loved to suicide. His name was Joseph J. Ringhoffer, and he was a Chester Springs resident, a Penn State alumnus, a father, a husband, and an avid runner. In his memory, the group created the Ringer Run Benefit, a 5K run and walk held every year in Chester Springs with 100% of proceeds going directly to suicide prevention and mental health awareness programs. 

What started as a way to honor Joe has grown into a decade-long tradition that has donated over $100,000 to organizations, including local programs like A Haven and the Joseph J. Ringhoffer Memorial Fund, which supports Counseling and Psychological Services at Penn State.

“It's not just a run; it's 10 years of a community showing up for something that matters.”

This year's event is on Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 PM. The race starts and finishes at Pocket Park in the Byers Station development in Chester Springs, with parking at Pickering Valley Elementary School. The course is a scenic loop on mostly paved paths that takes runners through wetlands, a tunnel, and even a covered bridge. After the race, everyone is invited across the street to The Stables for the post-race party.

The Ringer Run is for everyone. This is not an event for serious runners only. It's open to all ages and fitness levels. You can run it, walk it, or bring the whole family with a stroller. There are giveaways, finisher medals, a race village with sponsors, face painting, and a community atmosphere that makes it feel more like a neighborhood celebration than a traditional 5K. Costumes are encouraged, and word is that Bert and Ernie might even make an appearance for the 10th anniversary.

100% of registration fees go directly to the cause. One of the things that makes the Ringer Run unique is that sponsors cover all race expenses, which means every dollar from registration goes straight to the beneficiary organizations. If you're looking for a way to support the Chester County community and contribute to something with a real, lasting impact on mental health and suicide prevention, this is one of the best ways to do so. If you can't make it in person, there's also a virtual option where you can run, walk, or bike on your own and still receive all the race swag.

A special thank you to Matt Stancato with Guild Mortgage for helping support this year's event. Sponsors like Matt are the reason the Ringer Run can donate 100% of its proceeds to the people and programs that need it most.

If you'd like to register, learn more about the cause, or find out how to sponsor the event, visit ringerrun.com. We hope to see you at the starting line on June 11.

If you have any questions about the event or anything else happening in Chester County, we're always here. Call or text us at 610-549-4435, email us at beth@steinrealtygroup.com, or visit steinrealtygroup.com.

We'd love to see you there.