Run Your Butt Off: Philly’s 2010 Fall Running Calendar
Cool, crisp mornings, perfect blue skies, and not an ounce of summer’s sticky humidity make fall the perfect time to hit the pavement for one—or many!—of Philly’s great runs and walks. From 5Ks to 8Ks to one-mile fun runs and walks, here are 20 great reasons to get out there now.
Kids Chance 5K & 10K Walk/Run, October 3, 2010
This scenic course cuts through Fairmount Park and your registration fee includes a t-shirt. Proceeds provide college and vocational scholarship grants for children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident.
Type: Walk/ Run
Where: Valley Green at Fairmount Park, Northwest Avenue and Forbidden Drive
Time: Registration begins at 1:00 p.m.; Race starts at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: By September 17, $20; Race day, $25 Adults, $10 Under 11
Knights of Columbus 5K Charity Race, October 9, 2010
Get some fresh air and exercise on your Columbus Day weekend with the K of C charity race. Water stations will be provided for runners as they make their way along the paved wooded track. The first 500 participants receive a free t-shirt and bibs. Proceeds benefit Woods Services, which provides residential, educational, and vocational support for children and adults with exceptional needs.
Type: Run
Where: Tyler State Park, 101 Swamp Road, Newtown
Time: Registration begins at 9 a.m.; Race starts at 10 a.m.
Cost: $25 at the gate or $20 with a copy of online flyer
Newtown Library Company 5K & Kids’ Fun Run, October 9, 2010
The Newtown Library Company will host a 5K run and Kids’ Fun Run to raise money to expand their book collection after tough budget cuts in the area left them with very few means to acquire new books and materials. All children in the Fun-run will receive a participating gift.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Brian Gregg Memorial Park, 40 North Chancellor Street, Newtown
Time: Registration & packet pick-up begins at 8 a.m.; Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9 a.m.; 5K starts at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Pre-Registration, $20; Race day, $25; Kids’ Fun Run, $10
Rest in Peace 5K Run, October 9, 2010
Trick or treat, move your feet! Get in the Halloween mood with this second-annual 5K run through Laurel Hill Cemetery. This very unique, yet challenging race spot is full of history, art, and botanical beauty. The run benefits Friends of Laurel Hill and Gearing Up, a non-profit whose mission is to provide women in transition from drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, and homelessness, with bike skills and equipment for safe exercise and personal growth. Make sure to stick around for a festive after-party featuring live music, a Halloween costume contest, and free beer (for those 21 and over, of course!).
Type: Run
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, East Falls
Time: Registration begins at 4 p.m.; Race starts at 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $35
Delaware County 10th Annual Run for Heroes, October 10, 2010
In its ten years running, Delaware County Run for Heroes has raised $232,000 for the Delaware County Hero Scholarship Fund, benefiting children of police, firemen, or emergency responders who have died in the line of duty. The race is a fast and fun course through Springfield Township. Run as a team (up to five members) or as an individual.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Springfield Township Building, 50 Powell Road, Springfield
Time: Registration begins at 7:30-8:45 a.m.; Race starts at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $18
13th Annual Great Eastern State Break Out 5K and Kids Fun Run, October 16, 2010
Those guys from Prison Break have nothing on you! This 5K USATF-sanctioned road race goes through Fairmont and Historic Girard College. New this year is a half-mile Kids’ Fun Run around the Eastern State Penitentiary. Stick around for a post-race breakfast. Enter as a team three to five persons or run solo (all 5-person teams receive a 20 percent discount on registration). Mail-in registration only for teams. Proceeds benefit the Police Survivors Fund and the Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park.
Type: Run
Where: Brown Street Lawn, 22nd and Brown Streets
Time: Registration begins at 7:45 a.m.; Race starts at 8:45 a.m.; Kids fun run starts at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: By October 14, $22; Race day, $25
31st Annual Women’s Distance Festival 5K Run/Walk, October 16, 2010
The Women’s Distance Festival was created in 1979 by the Road Runners Club of America to bring attention to the lack of distance running events for women in the Olympic games. This year’s 5K will be held in support of Philly Girls in Motion, a volunteer-driven organization that engages girls in activities that encourage fitness and good nutrition. Additionally, proceeds will help Delco RRC in its efforts to promote running for fun and fitness, including the Cross Country Championships and the Junior Development Track Meet for students.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Rose Tree Park, 1671 North Providence Road, Media
Time: Registration begins 9:00 a.m.; Race starts at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: By September 24, $15; Race day, $20
Run for Our Sons Patton Gives Back 5K Run & Family Fun Day, October 16, 2010
Break a sweat with a 5K in honor of Elliott and Henry Johnson. The run will benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, whose mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life, and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, education, advocacy, and compassion. Participation in any Run for our Sons event gets you guaranteed entry into all the races they participate in: you can find a list of additional races here.
Type: Run
Where: Charles F. Patton Middle School, 740 Unionville Road, Kennett Square
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.; Race starts at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: By September 24, $20 Adult, $15 Student; After September 24, $25 Adult, $20 Student.
AIDS Walk Philly, October 17, 2010
More than 30,000 people in the Delaware Valley are living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Walk Philly is the Delaware Valley’s largest annual HIV/AIDS public awareness and fundraising event. Each year, thousands of people join with celebrities, community leaders, friends, and neighbors in an 8.4-mile walk-a-thon and 5K run. The AIDS Run is an official USATF certified route.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Eakins Oval, Philadelphia
Time: Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m.; 5K run starts at 8:00 a.m., walk starts at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Run, $45; Walk, donations
Bobtoberfest, October 23, 2010
The Bryn Mawr Running Company is hosting the third-annual Bobtoberfest. This year’s 4-mile run will benefit the Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association, whose mission is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering those affected by the disease and their families.
Type: Run
Location: Lloyd Hall (Boathouse Row) in Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive
Time: Registration begins at 2:30 p.m.; Race starts at 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Before October 20, $20; Race day, $30
24th Annual Citizen Advocacy Phoenixville Fun Run, October 23, 2010
Citizen Advocacy of Chester County, a private, nonprofit organization that initiates relationships between citizens with developmental disabilities and their neighbors, will be hosting their 24th Annual 5K and 10K run along with a 1-mile fun run. There will be plenty of food and music as well as prizes for the top finishers. Don’t forget to don your favorite costume during the fun run while running off some of that Halloween candy.
Type: Run
Where: Reeves Park, 2nd and Main Street, Phoenixville
Time: Fun Run starts at 8 a.m.; 5K and 10K starts at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Pre-registration, $20; Race day, $25; Fun Run, $25 per family
PENN Medicine at Radnor Run, October 31, 2010
Join the American Lung Association for the 33rd Annual Penn Medicine at Radnor Run. A 1-mile fun run/walk and a challenging 5-mile run raises money to fight lung disease in all its forms through education, research, and advocacy and helps the fight towards clean air. A great way to start your Halloween is by burning some pre-candy calories!
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Radnor Township Building, 301 Ivan Avenue Radnor
Time: Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.; Race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: 1-mile, $15; 5-miles, $25
5th Annual Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Kids Dash, November 7, 2010
Come out and support the fourth-annual Free to Breathe Lung Cancer 5K run that provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors, and the community to come together to raise awareness about this deadly disease. The beautiful course winds through Fairmount Park’s Horticultural Center and past the Japanese Teahouse, ending at the Carousel house. All proceeds from this event will benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education, and awareness programs.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
Time: Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.; Race starts at 8:30 a.m.; Kids dash starts at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: Online, $30; Mail-in, $33; Race day, $35; Kids dash, $15
Race for Resources 10K & 5K Run & 2-mile Walk, November 13, 2010
Join the Autism Cares Foundation and run, walk, and/or talk to over 50 organizations about the services they provide for Autism. The Foundation was founded by the parents of a child with autism and other concerned parents, professionals, and friends. All money raised at this event will go directly to the development of the Autism Cares Foundation Resources Center. T-shirts will be given to all racers who register before October 25th or while supplies last.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Tyler State Park, 10 Stable Mill Trail, Richboro
Time: Kids’ Run starts at 9:45 a.m.; 10k & 5k Run/Walk start at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: 10K & 5K race: By September 15, $20; By October 31, $25; Race day, $30; 2-mile walk: By September 15, $15; By October 31, $20; Race day, $25
2010 Start! Philadelphia Heart Walk, November 13, 2010
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of all Americans? Join more than one million people in 300-plus cities across the country by standing up against heart disease. You can contribute to raising awareness during this 3- or 1.5-mile walk while raising funds for research and education.
Type: Walk
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Second-Annual Lemon Run, November 14, 2010
The Lemon Run benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a foundation started in 2000 by 4-year-old Alex Scott to help find a cure for childhood cancer. Look forward to an inspiring day of running, walking, music, prizes, and more. Not in the area or can’t make it to the event? You can still participate! Register as a virtual runner or walker and gather some friends to run or walk where you live. The first 500 people registered will receive a free T-shirt.
Type: Walk/Run
Location: Fairmount Park, 4231 North Concourse Drive, Philadelphia
Time: Registration begin at 7:00 a.m.; Kid’s Race starts at 8:00 a.m.; 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Before race day, $25 Adults, $10 Children; Race day, $30 Adults, $15 Children
Media Mud Stain 5 mile and 10 mile trail run, November 14, 2010
The trails at Ridley Creek are as scenic as they are challenging. Runners participating in either the 5K or 10K race will fight their way through root-covered, rocky, muddy ground (with just a little pavement). This rollercoaster ride of a loop is one of the best trail systems in Pennsylvania. Awards will be given to the overall male and female runners as well as the top male and female runners in each age group. Make sure to stick around after the race for the post-race lunch and party (included in registration fee).
Type: Run
Location: Ridley Creek Park, Picnic Area #14 & #15, 1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media
Time: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; Race starts at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: 5K: By November 12, $25; Race day, $30; 10K: By November 12, $30; Race day, $35
Philadelphia Marathon and Half-Marathon, November 20 & 21, 2010
The Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Rothman Institute 8K are all packed into one calorie-burning weekend. On Saturday, for those of you not quite ready to tackle a half or full marathon, the Rothman Institute 8K is the best way to get involved. On Sunday, cheer on the half and full marathoners (these races are now sold out) and get inspired to participate next year!
Type: Run
Where: 8K starts at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Time: Marathons 7:00 a.m.; 8K starts 7:30 a.m.
Cost: 8k, $45; Marathon, $125; Half Marathon, $100
Abington YMCA Gobble Wobble 5K & 2-mile walk, November 25, 2010
Aside from the traditional 5K awards, the Gobble Wobble is a great way to burn pre-Thanksgiving calories. Run in a quiet area, covered with rolling hills and serene surroundings. There will be refreshments, a free raffle and goodie bag, and a DJ. Special prizes will be awarded to the Cold Turkey (the most bundled up), Hot Potato, (the more risqué runner who is least bundled) and Corny Plumage (goes to the best individual and group costume or outfit). This event has become a holiday tradition so don’t miss the fun and fitness before the feast.
Type: Run/Walk
Location: 1073 Old York Road, Abington
Time: Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; Race starts at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Pre-registration, $25 Adults, $12 Under 12; Race day, $30 Adults, $12 Under 12
Fourth-Annual Annunciation BVM Turkey Trot, November 27, 2010
The Fourth-Annual Annunciation Turkey Trot features a 1.2-mile family fun walk through the streets of Havertown and a 5K run along Karakung Drive. This promises to be a fun and healthy way to start off the holiday season. There will be hot and cold beverages, post-race snacks, and special guest appearances from the “Jogging Turkey” and Santa Claus. Proceeds for this event will be used to fund upgrades in technology and other related tools for students at Annunciation School and the parish PREP classes.
Type: Walk/Run
Where: Annunciation BVM School, 401 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown
Time: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.; Race starts at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: By November 20, $20; After November 20, $25; Family Rate: By November 20, $55; After November 20; $15 Under 14
Which runs and walks are you excited for, Philly? Did we miss a good one? Tell us about it in the comments below!
