20,000 Miles and Counting: Resident Richard Brown’s Journey Continues
This fall marks two remarkable milestones for Cornwall Manor resident Dick Brown. On October 26, Dick will celebrate his 80th birthday. Just a few months earlier, on August 6, he reached another extraordinary achievement: walking and jogging 20,000 miles on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail.
For Dick, both milestones are rooted in a lifelong commitment to staying active, engaged and making the most of every day.
A Lebanon native, Dick graduated from Lebanon High School in 1964, where he was a standout athlete. He played four sports earning 10 letters (9 varsity). He was a state and Central Penn League recognized football player, all-county in basketball and was on several all-star baseball teams. In 2005 he was elected to the school’s Hall of Fame.
Dick had the opportunity to play in three sports at the next level. He chose to concentrate on football and after receiving numerous division one offers, he accepted a scholarship to Cornell University where he played football as a quarterback.
After returning to Lebanon, his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Louise, blossomed. The couple married and this past May celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Dick began his professional career with Hershey Foods Corporation, starting as a draftsman and ultimately advancing to project manager in the corporate engineering department. He completed his undergraduate degree at Penn State’s Capitol Campus.
Later, he and Louise relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia where Dick attended the College of William and Mary earning his master’s degree. Both Dick and Louise worked briefly for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Eventually, the Brown’s returned to Lancaster County, where Dick launched a consulting business focusing on project and construction management. He operated the business successfully overseeing many regional projects for 25 years before retiring in 2011.
The Brown’s moved to Alden Place in 2008 and spent 13 years there before moving to Cornwall Manor in 2021 to the Westwood apartments. Today, they
appreciate the beautiful views from their apartment, especially the proximity and sight of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is one of the region’s most treasured recreational assets, stretching through scenic farmland, woodlands and historic communities across Lebanon County. Built on the former Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad corridor, the trail provides a safe, accessible route for walkers, runners, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the Lebanon Valley year-round. The trail intersects Cornwall Manor’s Buckingham and Woods campuses.
Dick first began walking and jogging on the Rail Trail in 2008. What started as a simple fitness routine gradually became a remarkable long- term goal. 18 Years later he officially surpassed 20,000 logged miles. Every time he heads to the trail, he completes a 5K (3.1 miles) in approximately 52 minutes. He averages 27 to 28 days per month.
Even during the winter months when the trail is not passable, Dick refuses to let the weather interrupt his routine, often utilizing the indoor track at Lebanon Valley College to maintain fitness .
“It’s important to keep moving, Dick says. I have played in many basketball leagues over the years trying to control weight and to stay in shape. Balance in life is important and setting realistic goals.”
Health permitting, Dick hopes to reach the equatorial circumference of the earth at 24,901 miles.
Dick and Louise enjoy many activities together including golfing, dancing, dining out and attending sporting events. They were avid Hershey Bear fans and held season tickets for many years. One of their favorite traditions is a Thursday evening dinner at Trattoria Fratelli where they especially enjoy the lasagna and wood fired pizza with a side of meatballs.
The Browns also cherish time with their daughter who lives in nearby Elizabethtown.
As Dick approaches his 80th birthday, his 20,000-mile milestone serves as a reminder that there are always new goals to pursue, new challenges to embrace and new opportunities to stay active and engaged. Whether he’s walking on the Rail Trail, cheering on the Hershey Bears or enjoying time with family and friends, Dick continues to prove that life’s journey is best enjoyed one step at a time.
