Let the beat go on: 5K will honor Upper Darby music director’s legacy

Music, movement, fun and even gold-plated harmonicas will all be in the mix when the Schoener MusicMan 5K Run and Spirit Walk event returns to Drexel Hill this spring.

The event, which is slated for May 16, 2026, will take place at Arlington Cemetery and will benefit the Brad Schoener Memorial Music Fund and MusicMan Academy programs like summer camps. The fund helps provide instruments, instruction and experiences for instrumental music students in the Upper Darby School District (UDSD), and the programs. It was created to honor Schoener, who was the Upper Darby School District music director for 25 years before succumbing to a rare form of cancer called leiomyosarcoma in 2009.

Those hoping to participate can still register the day of the race, although T-shirts are not guaranteed. The check-in and bib pickup process for registered participants begins at 7:30 the morning of the event, and festivities officially kick off at 8:15 with stretching guided by professional YMCA trainers plus a special guest appearance. At 8:30, the “Inflate-a-Fun Run” will feature UDSD school teams competing to win the Schoener School Spirit Award.

Families are encouraged to participate in either the 5K run or 1-mile spirit walk, and there will be live music along the 5K route courtesy of drumlines, bagpipes, brass ensembles, a ukulele circle, the Delaware County Flute Choir and more. Runners who finish the 5K will receive working mini harmonicas, and full-size harmonicas will be given to age group winners. Additionally, overall male and female race winners will receive 14K gold-plated harmonicas.

Anyone with questions about the event is encouraged to call 610-321-3535 or email [email protected].