10 Coolest Fitness and Foodie Events in Philly This Month: October 2015

Your best bets for getting sweaty and having fun in October.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — fall, that is. With fall fitness in full swing — we’re talking races, rides, even outdoor yoga and barre — there’s plenty to add to your calendar this month. Our picks are below. 

1. All City 20-Miler
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10 a.m.
Where: Meet at Lloyd Hall at Boathouse Row.

Philadelphia Runner and Team Philly Race Training are debuting a first-time running event that’s poised be Philly’s ultimate race-training day. The goal is to get you tip-top shape for your fall marathons, half marathons and other distance runs. You can join one of three massive group runs — there will be 20-, 14- and 10-mile options — that will run along a fully supported course: We’re talking pace groups, hydration stops and energy gels along the way to keep you moving. Best part: The event is totally free. It starts and ends at Lloyd Hall.

2. Revival Outdoor Yoga
When: Saturday, October 10th beginning at noon.
Where: LOVE Park.

Lululemon Walnut Street is taking over LOVE Park this month for a one-day yoga and meditation festival. It’ll include bring-your-own-mat yoga classes going throughout the day — most of them complete with the awesome DJ SYLO, who provided the tunes for our final Be Well Philly Summer Yoga Flow class! — plus speakers, grub from Sweetgreen, a collective meditation session and more. And — you guessed it —it’s all free.

3. Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
When: Saturday, October 31st.
Where: Starts at Eakins Oval.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half returns this year with a late October date, thanks to Pope Francis’s September visit to Philadelphia. But the accidental Halloween theme should make the race extra fun: You know lots runners will dress up in costumes. The course includes time in Center City and out on the River Loop. It’s $119 to register.

4. Bike MS: City to Shore Ride
When: October 3rd and 4th.
Where: Starting points in Mays Landing, Hammonton and Cherry Hill.

Ever dream of riding your bike to the Shore? Now’s your chance. Join 7,000 cyclists for the National MS Society’s annual City to Shore Ride. There are multiple distances to choose from — from a one-day 25-miler to a two-day 180-miler — and aid stations, refreshments and bike support along the way. All rides end in Ocean City. It’s $100 to register, and fundraising is encouraged.

5. The Rescue Run 5K
When: Saturday, October 3rd at 10 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Our pals at the Monster Milers will host their third annual Rescue Run, which features adorable, adoptable pups at the finish line (as well as free massages!). The chip-timed race is contained entirely within the Navy Yard complex on an out-and-back course. It’s $35 to participate.

6. Glow & Flow Yoga
When: Friday, October 30th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Yoga Home, 424 East Elm Street, Conshohocken.

You know we’re a sucker for a good glow-in-the-dark event. This one will have you getting very bendy to a super fun playlist. The Vinyasa-style yoga class is suitable for all levels. Be sure to wear white or neon so you pop under the black lights, and arrive early to paint yourself with glow paint. It’s $16 to participate.

7. Old School Trail Run
When: Sunday, October 4th at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Wissahickon Valley Park; meet at the trailhead of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue (200 Northwestern Avenue) in front of the Cedars House.

You can opt for a five-mile race or one-mile hike in the Wissahickon for this one. The run will take you off Forbidden Drive for time on ruddy backwoods trails, through meadows, along the creek and more. The race raises money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles. It’s $30 for the run and $20 for the walk.

8. Barre3 in the Park
When: Sunday, October 4th from 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Bryn Mawr Gazebo, 9 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr.

Barre3 is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a free outdoor barre class and fun giveaways. Just be sure to bring your own yoga mat and water.

9. Vegan Noodle Bowls Cooking Class
When: Wednesday, October 14th at 7 p.m.
Where: COOK, 253 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse.

Learn how to make warm, filling vegan noodle bowls just in time for cooler fall nights. Plant-loving chefs Christina Martin and Christopher Dougherty will teach you how to make a jackfruit ramen sesame bowl, mushroom curry bowl, tofu pho and more meat-free dishes. It’s $135 to participate and includes a full meal and wine.

10. Rest in Peace 5K
When: Saturday, October 10th at 5 p.m.
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, East Falls.

No October events guide would be complete without at least one Halloween happening. We chose this one: a spooky run (at night!) through historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. After the run, stick around for the runners’ party, which will include plenty of Halloween candy, free beer and tunes. Oh, and be sure to wear a costume: There will be prizes for the best ones. It’s $35 to participate.

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