My Valley Forge Story: Kirsten Tallman

Speaking at the Rev Run starting line.

NPS/ Kirsten Tallman

From Runner to Race Director: A Journey of Strength, Resilience, and Giving Back to Valley Forge

There’s a place that holds a special kind of magic for me ,a place that’s more than just a park or a piece of history. Valley Forge National Historical Park has been my companion through countless runs, a backdrop for my thoughts, and a symbol of strength and resilience. I first found this connection as a new runner, logging my miles through the park’s winding trails, its scenic landscapes providing both a physical challenge and mental clarity. I often found myself reflecting on the significance of this land, a place where thousands of soldiers once endured unimaginable hardship. It struck me then, the irony and beauty of it all: the same ground I was running on had once tested the limits of others, and yet now it was helping me build my own strength.

Every mile I ran in Valley Forge made me feel more connected to the past, more determined to push through whatever obstacles lay ahead, both in my runs and in life. But with that connection came a sense of gratitude. How could I give back to this place that had provided me so much strength, inspiration, and resilience? I wanted to do something meaningful, something that would help preserve this land and honor its history.

I never imagined that just a few years later, I would be given the opportunity to contribute in a way that felt right for me. In 2006, I was part of the inaugural Valley Forge Revolutionary 5 Mile Run. It felt like the culmination of everything I had experienced in the park—the miles, the mental fortitude, the connection to the past. That race, for me, was a way to give back to the park that had given me so much.

Fast forward 20 years, and I find myself leading the charge as Race Director of the same event. What began as a small race has grown into a major event that has raised over $800,000 to support the park’s preservation , educational programs and visitor experience. As I watch runners cross the finish line, I can’t help but reflect on my own journey. The miles I logged in Valley Forge, the inspiration I drew from the landscape, and the determination to give back ,all of it has led to this incredible opportunity to make a real difference.

Kirsten has spent the last 20 years involved with Rev Run. Today she is Race Director.

NPS/ Kirsten Tallman.

The feeling of being able to keep my promise to myself and to this place—to give back—is indescribable. I could never have imagined, back when I was running those early miles, that my efforts would amount to what they have today. Through the Rev Run, I’ve seen firsthand how the collective dedication of thousands of runners can fuel the preservation of something as vital as Valley Forge. The park, which once served as a symbol of resilience, continues to inspire strength in others, just as it has in me.

And as I stand at the helm of this race, watching the runners take their own steps through the very park that inspired me so many years ago, I’m reminded that sometimes the paths we run don’t just lead us forward , they come full circle. The story of Valley Forge is one of perseverance, and in many ways, it mirrors my own journey. From those early runs to today, I’ve learned that sometimes giving back to the places that shape us is the most powerful way to honor their legacy.

Tags: valley forge national historical park, my valley forge story, vf50, 50 years of valley forge,