State senator to present flag in honor of beloved open-space advocate
WEST MARLBOROUGH – State Sen. Andy Dinniman will honor the conservation efforts of the late Nancy Penn Smith Hannum — known best in the Unionville area as “Mrs. Hannum” — by presenting a Pennsylvania state flag in her memory to her family on July 4th following the second annual Chesco Road Race.
“It is my honor to recognize Mrs. Hannum whose work was pivotal in preserving the beautiful countryside and open spaces that make Chester County such a great place to call home,” Dinniman said. “The legacy of Mrs. Hannum is right here – it is in the rolling hills and lush, green landscapes that make such a perfect backdrop for this premier cycling event.”
The Chesco Road Race, Pennsylvania’s official state road cycling championships, runs on a 13-mile circuit that loops through the township from the start finish area at historic Brooklawn on Newark Road, a 200-acre country estate that dates back to 1706.
Brooklawn is the former residence of Mrs. Hannum, a descendent of William Penn and Master of Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Fox Hounds for over fifty years before passing away in 2010. On race day, the estate will have a festive atmosphere with party tents and food and drink for bike race participants and cycling fans.
Following the race at 2 p.m., Sen. Dinniman will present a Pennsylvania state flag in Hannum’s memory to her children. He will also make brief remarks on the lasting impact of her vision and conservation efforts on Chester County.
“My mother was particularly devoted to the state of Pennsylvania as her conservation efforts indicate,” said Mrs. Hannum’s son, Richard “Buzz” Hannum, a member of the race’s advisory board. “This race is the second of what will be an annual event, which we hope will encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty that Chester County has to offer.”
More than 500 cyclists competed in the inaugural event last year and this year’s race will again attract local, national and international cyclists from around the country and the globe. They will compete in road races for eleven different age and ability categories that vary in distance from two laps (26 miles) for novices to seven laps (92 miles) for pros. The first wave of seven races will start at 8:00 a.m. followed by the second wave of four races including the featured men’s Pro/elite 92 mile Championship that will start at 10:40 a.m.
The Chesco Road Race is the first of ten days of world class cycling events in Chester County. It will be followed by West Chester’s 9th annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium on Saturday, July 6; the Chesco Grand Prix which runs through towns throughout the Brandywine Valley from July 7-13; and the Kinetic Chesco Tour of rural Chester County for recreational cyclists on Sunday, July 14.