Character Counts

Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to join us for the first annual Character Counts 5K and Fun Run on Sunday, October 22 in honor of Lower Merion High School’s beloved late principal, Dr. Sean Hughes. All of the race proceeds will benefit the Sean A. Hughes Memorial Garden and Plaza planned for the Lower Merion High School campus. The Garden design includes a unique gateway to campus reflecting both the physical image of Dr. Hughes and the tenets of his oft-stated motto that “Character Counts.” As ninth-grade students “Enter to Learn” and 12th-grade students “Go Forth to Serve,” they will pass through this gateway and into an outdoor plaza intended for learning, mindfulness, and growth.  

Location:                   
LMHS track (Hap Arnold Field) Parking at LMHS        

Awards:              
Overall and Age Groups

Amenities:           
T-shirt*, water stops on the loop, complimentary refreshments*, mugs for prizes, raffle baskets, gift certificates

*while supplies last (all registered before 10/21 will receive a t-shirt)

Race Results:        
Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.; Results will be found at http://www.brynmawrracing.com

Generous Sponsors Include: Lower Merion Education Association, Lundy, Beldecos & Milby Law, Camp Tecumseh, Lower Merion/Harriton Alumni Association, Primos Hoagies/Ardmore and more

More about Sean:

Sean A. Hughes, the beloved principal of Lower Merion High School for more than 14 years, was tragically killed on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

In addition to his legendary dedication to Lower Merion High School, Dr. Hughes is also remembered for his life-long love of running. On a daily basis for well over a decade, he was seen, often before dawn, running through the streets of Lower Merion and along Montgomery Avenue. He attended Cardinal O'Hara High School where he received awards and accolades for his running achievements, and he continued to run in his free time while at LaSalle University. Dr. Hughes also proudly completed the Broad Street run for over 20 years, and he was a co-chair of the Skippack Lions Club 5K run for a decade. 

Dr. Hughes also served as President of the Central Athletic League and coached youth sports, including softball at Lower Perk Little League, basketball at Perk Valley Youth Basketball Organization, and soccer at Perkiomen Valley Soccer Club.

Dr. Hughes shared the motto and belief that “character counts,” a message his students and young athletes surely will carry throughout their lives. It is not an overstatement to say his impact on our world is immeasurable.