27 Hour Marathon Dance set to embark on 9th year at Deep Run

The mega-fundraising event has supported dozens of charities and raised over $1.36 million since 2007.

March 20, 2015; 9:58 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Deep Run High School’s charity dance shows no sign of stopping. The ninth annual Deep Run Marathon Dance will be held this weekend, March 20th through 21st at the Henrico County school. The eight preceding dances have raised a total of $1.36 million for Richmond-area nonprofits since its inception in 2007.

Hundreds of participating students will check in on Friday night and dance for pledges, leaving 27 hours later. The participants take breaks and have the option to sleep for two hours.

This year, proceeds from the Deep Run Marathon Dance will go to 12 nonprofits, including CARITAS, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Central Virginia.

The dance ranks number two nationally among such events in terms of fundraising.

“The contributions from individuals and local businesses have established this event as a true link between our community and future leaders of America,” said Kathleen Kern, who directs the dance along with her husband, David. “Lives have truly been transformed–not only within the charities that have benefited, but also within the lives of students who participate and anyone involved.”

The public is invited to attend the Saturday finale at 7:30 PM on March 21st. Since the dance has grown, only registered dancers are permitted on the dance floor.

Want to get involved? You can donate until March 31st by sending a check payable to DRHS to: Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059, Attn: Kathleen Kern, DRMD director. Checks will also be accepted at the event.

Opening ceremonies begin at 7:00 PM on Friday. The Saturday finale starts at 7:30 PM and wraps up around 10:00 PM.