Run: New Year’s Races Near Philly
Although previously held at Citizen’s Bank Park, this celebratory race will kick off the new year at the Dave and Buster’s at Franklin Mills Mall. The out-and-back 5K begins at the stroke of midnight, and runners can reward themselves afterward with tons of games and an open bar at D&B until 2 a.m., included in the registration fee.
$60, January 1, 12 a.m., Dave and Buster’s, Franklin Mills Mall, 1455 Franklin Mills Circle
Rev up 2012 before it even begins with this 5K on New Year’s Eve morning. Race through suburban neighborhood streets to work up an appetite for some celebratory bubbly later on.
$20, December 31, 9 a.m., Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn, 610-647-9622
Usher in the New Year with the folks at Victory Trail Tours as they celebrate Patriots’ Week, honoring the heroes of the American Revolution. On New Year’s Eve, they’ll host the Patriots 5K to commemorate the 235th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton. The course begins at the Old Barracks Museum and winds through the historic streets where the Continental Army once battled Hessian soldiers. Colonial attire (good luck running in a petticoat) is encouraged.
$25, December 31, 9 a.m., Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, 609-777-1770
Need to sweat out last night’s Champagne and kickstart your resolutions? Roll out of bed for this fast and flat 5K through Tamaques Park with the Central Jersey Road Runners Club. Refuel with hot chocolate and bagels at the finish line.
$35, January 1, 12 p.m., Tamaques Park, 1081 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield
This noontime 5K makes it hard to give up your 2012 promise to live healthier. Running the race automatically enters you in a drawing to win a free day at Delaware Swim and Fitness Center, helping you reach your workout goals. Proceeds also benefit the Yes U Can Corporation, which helps physically disabled people remain active.
$20, January 1, 12 p.m., 4905 Mermaid Boulevard, Wilmington
The Bucks County Roadrunners Club kicks off their winter series on January 1st with the Cham-Pain 5K in Tyler State Park. Though their races typically start at 9:30 a.m., they’re taking pity on your post-party headache and holding the race at noon instead. With a mere $5 entry fee, there’s no excuse to sleep in.
$5, January 1, 12 p.m., boathouse in central Tyler State Park
Start the new year on a high note by running the Stanley’s Dream 5K, organized by the Chester County Running Store. Stanley’s Dream, a non-profit organization, was founded by the parents of Stanley Edwards after their son passed away from brain cancer at the age of 14. To help foster his dream of graduating from college, the foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors each year and funds childhood brain cancer research. Run the race to keep Stanley’s legacy alive.
$25, January 1, 12 p.m., Church and Market Streets, West Chester, 610-696-4350
