Sean Hughes 'Character Counts' Memorial 5K and Fun Run

Fourth Annual Character Counts 5K to Mark Fifth Anniversary of Dr. Sean Hughes' Death and  Dedication of New Memorial Plaza at Lower Merion High School

The Lower Merion community will gather at Lower Merion High School (315 E. Montgomery Ave., Ardmore, PA) on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 930am for the Fourth Annual Character Counts 5K & Fun Run, honoring the life and legacy of beloved LMHS Principal Dr. Sean A. Hughes. This year's event carries special significance as it commemorates the fifth anniversary of Dr. Hughes' death and celebrates the long-awaited debut of Phase One of the Sean Hughes Memorial Garden & Plaza on the high school campus.

Participants are encouraged to create a personal or team fundraising page and compete with friends for a good cause! Just click the DONATE button at the top of this page (or on the last Registration page), and choose BECOME A FUNDRAISER. You can personalize your page, add a story and photo! Once you create a page, more directions will be sent with your sign-in details. Prize for highest Fundraiser as of race day start time. 

Last year, more than 500 runners and walkers took part in the Character Counts 5K, which was kicked off by LM alumna Kylie Kelce. The event raised approximately $20,000. Thanks to the generosity of participants, sponsors and donors, Phase One construction of the Memorial Garden and Plaza has begun and will be unveiled immediately following this year's event.

Location:                   
LMHS track (Hap Arnold Field) Parking at LMHS (behind the school building)       

Awards:              
Overall and Age Groups

Amenities:           
T-shirts*, water stops on the loop, awards, complimentary refreshments

*while supplies last (all registered before 11/1 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: 

Cordisco & Saile: The Injury Pros

Lundy, Beldecos & Milby Law 

Sponsor Options, Click Here: https://runsignup.com/CreateRaceSponsor/151615/t/0KdJQwJDRIhdTdBxsnrVv9RDBdtUGCPW

Cost: Any LMSD student who would like to participate but for whom the entry fee poses an economic burden should email Amy Buckman for financial aid: buckmaa@lmsd.org 

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 while driving his son to a soccer game.

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.