Once Upon a Run
When is Once Upon a Run?
Once Upon a Run takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2026 in Newtown Square, PA.
What distances does Once Upon a Run offer?
Once Upon a Run offers 3 events: 1 Mile Walk, 5K Run, Festival (Food & Beverage).
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile Walk | 1.0 mi | $20.00 | Register |
| 5K Run | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| Festival (Food & Beverage) | — | $35.00 | Register |
How much does Once Upon a Run cost?
Registration for Once Upon a Run starts at $20.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Once Upon a Run held?
Once Upon a Run is held in Newtown Square, PA at 4 Campus Boulevard (see below for map and parking instructions).
About Once Upon a Run
A Storybook Costumed Festival & 5K benefiting Newtown Public Library!
Organized by the Friends of Newtown Public Library an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Friends gathered. Costumes encouraged. Library Supported.
Save $10 when you sign up for the 5k and the Festival Food & Beverage together!
Save $5 when you sign up for the 5k or the 1-miler as part of a team!
Win tickets to the PGA Championship in May 2026
In support of this event, we are having a raffle for 4 pairs of tickets to the upcoming PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, May 14-17. Tickets are on sale in person at the Library with cash or check only. Please send a message to onceuponarunPGAraffletickets@newtownlibrary.org for more information.
Schedule
3pm
5K($40), 1-mile walk ($25) and kids fun run (free)
4pm-7pm (see Entertainment below)
Festival with entertainment (free); Food and beverage bracelet ($40 adults, $20 minors, free 5 and under)
5pm
Costume parade (kids AND adults); Prizes awarded
6pm
Raffle ticket winner drawings; 2026 PGA Championship tickets at Aronimink Golf Cub in Newtown Square
Food & Beverage
Your adult or minor food & beverage bracelet gets you an all-inclusive experience with unlimited quantities of so many options!
Shrimp cocktail from Bonefish Grill, chicken tenders and pasta salad from Dotty’s Gourmet Kitchen, and a variety of pizza from local Newtown Square pizzerias. Two food trucks including: V Empanadas (6 varieties including 2 vegetarian options) and Zac's Burgers serving variety of burgers including one vegetarian, hot dogs and chicken sandwich all with fries. A dessert table will offer a mix of sweet treats and fresh fruit.
Beverages include beer, wine, adult iced tea, water, soda, and seltzer.
FREE Bracelets for kids 5 and under include chicken tenders, pasta salad, pizza, desserts and water.
PLEASE NOTE: All food & beverage will be served EXCLUSIVELY to bracelet holders. A la carte purchases will not be available.
A limited number of bracelets will be available for purchase at the festival. Bracelets serve as an all-inclusive food & beverage experience AND a donation directly supporting the library - thank you for your generosity.
Festival Entertainment
- DJ
- Axe Throwing
- 5 hole Miniature Golf
- Paint wooden bookmarks
- Porsche Display
- Costumed Character
- Lawn games
- Once Upon a Quizzo
- Book Giveaway
- Scavenger Hunt
- Decorate a Crown
- Lego Building
- Fitness/Wellness
- Costume Parade
- Gift Card Raffle
- 50/50
- Limoncello Tasting
- PGA Championship Ticket Raffle (winner will get a pair of tickets for one day at the event, plus food)
T-shirts & Medals
Every 5k participant receives a t-shirt and a hand-crafted medal! If you are registering for the race after April 6, the t-shirts have already been ordered. We may have extras when you pick up your bib, but shirts and sizes will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Course Map
Parking Note: Access to parking will only be from West Chester Pike and Campus Boulevard. Entry from Bishop Hollow Rd will be closed.
Parking
Please enter Campus Blvd from Rt 3 West Chester Pike ONLY and park at 17 Campus Blvd.
Bishop Hollow Rd and Campus Blvd intersection will be closed for the race.