Beyond Broad Street: Spring 2012 Races Near Philadelphia

Didn’t snag a spot in Philly’s über-popular 10-miler? Here, five other springtime races worth lacing up for.

Tyler Arboretum 10K Trail Run

When: March 31st at 9 a.m.
Where: Off-road trails in Delaware County’s Tyler Arboretum.
Why: This ain’t no jaunt in the park: It features four creek crossings and enough elevation changes to keep your quads and calves guessing.
Cost: $25 ($30 after March 4th); register. Update: This race is now sold out!

Bucks County Half Marathon

When: April 15th at 8 a.m.
Where: A loop of gradual rolling hills through Tyler Park
Why: The forest-lined course makes it feel like a trail run, but it’s not. The paved—and super-wide—path is ideal for road runners.
Cost: $64; register.

5 & Dime

When: April 15th at 9 a.m.
Where: A five-mile loop in Hatfield.
Why: Runners can choose to complete one loop or two on the flat-as-a-pancake (read: very fast) course through Hatfield Community Park. The race features a DJ, door prizes, and plenty of food and water.
Cost: $22 ($30 after March 25th); register.

Run the Vineyards 5 Miler

When: April 29th at 9 a.m.
Where: Heritage Vineyards in Mullica Hill.
Why: Can you imagine better running scenery than trails through a vineyard and rolling New Jersey countryside? For the unconvinced: Runners are treated to a free wine tasting and live music after the race.
Cost: $35 ($40 day-of); register.

ODDyssey Half Marathon

When: May 26th at 7 a.m.
Where: Starts and ends at the Please Touch Museum, winding through Fairmount Park and along West River Drive.
Why: Don last year’s Halloween getup to compete for best costume. The course includes optional detours and obstacles (moon bounce, anyone?) and a finish-line beer garden. Runners get pint glasses and medals with built-in bottle openers.
Cost: $65 ($75 after April 1st); register.

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