Get ready to lace up for the 35th Annual Kutztown Fools Run on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Kutztown, PA. This popular event features both a challenging 10-mile race and a spirited 5K, drawing runners from across the region to experience one of Berks County's most anticipated road runs. Typical race day conditions in late March offer pleasant temperatures, with highs around 54°F and lows near 34°F, alongside a modest 14% chance of precipitation.

Both the Bob Focht Memorial 10-Mile and Sally Miksiewicz Memorial 5K courses begin and end on College Blvd, right in front of the Kutztown Fairgrounds and Kutztown University. The 10-mile course is a scenic out-and-back road loop that winds through beautiful country roads, featuring varied elevations with uphill climbs around miles 1, 2, 8, and 9, and a downhill stretch at 3.3 miles. The 5K also follows an out-and-back route, largely flat but with an initial uphill climb towards the Kutztown University campus. Runners can expect well-supported routes, with water stations strategically placed at miles 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 for the 10-miler, and at the 1.5-mile mark for the 5K, often accompanied by cheering from local sports teams.

More than just a race, the Kutztown Fools Run is a community cornerstone, with all proceeds benefiting the Donald Peters Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Optimist Club of Kutztown. This initiative provides scholarships to deserving local high school seniors attending Kutztown University, having distributed over $170,000 in its history. The event also boasts the unique Steve O'Neil Memorial School District Challenge, where teams of school employees compete in the 5K for a traveling trophy and a scholarship check. Whether you're seeking a challenging early spring race or a scenic run for a good cause, the Kutztown Fools Run offers an engaging and rewarding experience through the picturesque Pennsylvania countryside.