5K RUN & 1 MILE SPIRIT WALK
May 16, 2026
The MusicMan 5K and Spirit Walk is back again in 2026 with more energy then ever before! Join us as we celebrate Brad’s mission and the new home for his MusicMan Academy programs at the SPARC!
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and groove to the beat because something extraordinary is hitting Arlington Cemetery on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
It’s not just any ordinary run – it’s a EXTRAordinary celebration of music, spirit, and making a positive difference in the community!
Rhythm of the Run: Ignite Your Passion
for Running with Music!
But wait, there’s more! This event isn’t just about breaking a sweat; it’s about breaking barriers and making a difference.
By joining the MusicMan 5K Run & Spirit Walk, you’re not only supporting Brad’s mission but also contributing to a brighter future for budding musicians in our community.
Funds raised from the 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk contribute to the Brad Schoener Legacy Fund and the MusicMan Academy programs. The Brad Schoener Fund is backed by the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation.
Race Day Information
7:30AM: On-Site Registration begins at Arlington Cemetery Field Under the Tent.
8:15AM: Warm-up with the YMCA
8:30AM: UDSD Inflatable Fun Run
8:50AM: National Anthem
9:00AM: Take Your Marks (5K Begins)
10:30AM (approx.): Awards Ceremony After the Race Awards & Prizes for All Age Groups
Get Ready to Rock Your Run!
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Look for the tent on Arlington Field behind the Arlington Mansion (Toppitzer Funeral Home)! We will kick off the day’s festivities at 8:15 am with “Warm Up with the Y!” Stretch with professional YMCA trainers and getting those muscles ready to run!
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Don’t miss the pure silliness at 8:30 am as we hold our 3rd “Inflate – a – Fun Run” as the UDSD School Teams compete to win the Schoener School Spirit Award! It’s the ultimate blend of fitness and fun that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
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You never know who will show up for our Inflatable Fun Run! Stay tuned! Families are encouraged to complete the 5K or the 1 Mile Spirit Walk together and then… we have SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE as we celebrate our 16th year of keeping Brad Schoener’s wishes alive for Upper Darby children.
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This year the MusicMan 5K welcomes Federal Donuts & Chicken! Fried chicken and donuts was the combination you never knew you needed! Founded by five trailblazers including James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Chef Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, Federal Donuts & Chicken offers best in class donuts, fried chicken and coffee.
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As always – be ready to hear LIVE MUSIC along the 5K route – including MusicMan Academy performers, Upper Darby Shooting Stars, Delaware County Flute Choir, official bagpiper, ukulele circle, brass ensembles, and a special pre-race performance of the National Anthem!
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In addition to providing run and walk participants with swag bags and race shirts, The MusicMan 5K is known for its unique finisher medals – actual working mini-harmonicas! Age Group awards are given (full size harmonicas) and Overall Male/Female race winners receive 14K gold plated harmonicas! It’s a very musical finish!
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So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family, and mark your calendars for the most epic event of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a music enthusiast, or just someone looking for a good time, the MusicMan 5K Run & Spirit Walk welcomes everyone with open arms and a whole lot of rhythm.
WHO WAS BRAD SCHOENER?
Brad was an extraordinary musician and music educator in the Upper Darby School District for 25 years.
During a courageous 5 year battle with Stage 4 leiomyosarcoma, Brad Schoener ran three triathlons, composed over 80 compositions for elementary band and orchestra for his students, started his own music publishing company, Schoener Custom Music, received the prestigious Mr. Holland’s Opus Award, and performed with some of Philly’s Top Bands, The Coup, The Exceptions, and Masquerade. It was not uncommon to see Brad practicing his bagpipes while riding his unicycle around the neighborhood.
Tragically, Brad passed away at the age of 46. But thanks to the tremendous heart of the Upper Darby community – his wishes for Upper Darby kids continue 16 years later.
Brad’s heart was as big as his passion for music and kids. Brad’s mission was to spread the joy of music far and wide through funding of lesson and program scholarships, instruments, and the Schoener MusicMan Academy, where his spirit continues to empower young minds to discover their musical talents and dreams and help kids face personal challenges by providing them with musical opportunities they might not otherwise encounter.
