10 Summer Races and Runs in Philadelphia to Have On Your Radar

ODDyssey Half Marathon

The summer will be here before you know it, folks! For your planning purposes, we rounded up our favorite races and runs happening in the Philadelphia area in the next few months. From 5Ks to 10Ks to half marathons, prepare yourself for the sweatiest of good times. 

The Philly 10K
Date: August 30, 2015
Location: Philadelphia

This insanely popular 6.2-mile race is coming back for a second year, this time with a revamped course, all new finish line festival and even bigger pre-race party. You’d better believe we’ll be there.

ODDyssey Half Marathon
Date: June 14, 2015
Location: Philadelphia

Crazy costumes are encouraged at this summertime half marathon, which means the race is as fun to watch as it is to run. Optional challenges are set up along the course for an extra diversion. And, of course, there’s free beer at the finish line.

Philadelphia Mayor’s Cup
Date: August 8, 2015
Location: Philadelphia

This inaugural event celebrates Philly’s many (many) running clubs. It’s the city’s first official running club championship, pitting groups against each other in five running events. Bragging rights are on the line here.

Perk Up Half Marathon
Date: August 16, 2015
Location: Pennsburg

If you love to run hills, the hourlong drive to the starting line for this race, which takes place in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, is more than worth it. The race takes you over rolling hills and past beautiful rural scenery.

The Saucony Mile
Date: June 19, 2015
Location: Pottstown

How fast can you run a mile? Find out at this super unique race at the Pottstown/Limerick Airport, at which runners race down a mile-long stretch of runway. The first 125 registrants get a free race shirt (they’re $6 to purchase on-site), and there are heats for everyone from kids to high schoolers to elites. After the race, hang out at the Beer and Burger Garden in the picnic grove. And make sure to check out the antique planes on display.

Run the Vineyards Rock the Night Away 5K
Date: July 21, 2015
Location: Hammonton

There’s no better time than the dead of summer to participate in an evening run. This one takes place at Sharrot Winery over in Jersey and features a post-race outdoor concert with classic rock band The Greg Jones Project. There will also be a free glass of post-race wine, naturally.

Back on My Feet In24 Philadelphia
Dates: July 18-19, 2015
Location: Philadelphia

For the insomniac runners among us, there’s the two-day Back on My Feet In24 race weekend, a choose-your-own adventure lineup of events that includes a 24-hour ultra, a glow-in-the-dark midnight run, a relay team challenge, and a (new this year) 5K run. Phew! We’re exhausted just thinking about it.

Gary Papa Father’s Day 10K/5K
Date: June 21, 2015
Location: Philadelphia

Honor Dad this year by participating in the popular Gary Papa 10K/5K, a run to raise awareness about prostate cancer. It’s named for the late 6 ABC sportscaster Gary Papa, who died of the disease in 2009, so lots of 6 ABC personalities participate in this race.

Midsummer Night 5K Series
Dates: June 11, July 9, and August 13, 2015
Location: Wynnewood

Consider this your all-summer-long challenge: Bryn Mawr Running Company hosts this three-race series every summer, with one 5K race each month. Winners are declared for each race and the series overall. At the afterparty at Hykels Bar and Grill, runners’ first drinks are free.

Media 5-Mile Race
Date: June 19, 2015
Location: Media

You’ll complete two 2.5-mile loops through pretty downtown and residential Media for this one, with awards given to top finishers. After the race, there will be live music and vendors at Veteran’s Square for a party-like atmosphere.

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