10 Fall Charity Runs Worth Signing Up For
Rescue Run 5K
You knew this was coming, right? It’s pretty much the last loose end in our trifecta of Fall Races to Put On Your Calendar posts. This one focuses on races for a cause—runs that benefit worthy organizations. Check out our top picks for the upcoming fall season.
Rescue Run 5K
Benefits: The Monster Milers
Date: September 28th
There are two reasons we gave this race a Best of Be Well Philly award this year: 1) We dig the Monster Milers (I mean, obviously, since we give them a shout out each and every Friday in our Adoptable Running Dog of the Week posts), and 2) We’re pretty much obsessed with dogs (see our rationale for point #1). The race takes place down in the Navy Yard and there are pups just waiting to be taken home at the finish line. The folks over at the Monster Milers tell us the race is *thisclose* to being sold out, so snatch up a bib while you can.
Girls on the Run 5K
Benefits: Girls on the Run Philadelphia
Date: December 7th
This is the inaugural 5K for our local chapter of Girls on the Run, the mentoring running group aimed at school-age girls. The race will be held at the Philadelphia Zoo, and race entry gets you in to the zoo all day. Registration isn’t open yet, but organizers say it’ll be online very soon.
Variety’s Superhero 5K
Benefits: Variety – The Children’s Charity. Funds raised from this race will be specifically earmarked for critically needed renovations for the Variety Club Camp and Developmental Center.
Date: September 20th
This run is all about the kids—kids with development and physical disabilities. Everyone is encouraged to dress up like their favorite superhero. I mean, how could you not?
The Lemon Run
Benefits: Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Date: November 9th
Wynnewood-based Alex’s Lemonade Stand takes aim at childhood cancers and supports families of kids with cancer diagnoses. The 5K run takes place in Fairmount Park, and includes a 100-meter kids dash so little kids can participate. If you can’t make the run, feel free to take the Lemon Shot Challenge instead.
Southwest Center City 5K
Benefits: Beautification initiatives in Southwest Center City through the nonprofit SWCC Run Inc.
Date: October 25th
When’s the last time your run took you through Southwest Center City? Thought so. Explore a new ‘hood while supporting a good cause.
Penn Medicine Radnor Run
Benefits: American Lung Association
Date: October 26th
Costumes are encouraged at this almost-Halloween run. There’s a family-friendly harvest festival after the race, where kids can enjoy balloons, face painting, and a costume contest.
Cobbs Creek 5K
Benefits: Recreational activities for children and youth in Cobbs Creek Park
Date: September 20th
This is a trail run, so it’s a good opportunity to test your chops for any longer-distance trail runs you have coming up later this season. You’ll get a scenic tour of the park while doing some good. Win-win.
Bobtoberfest
Benefits: ALS Hope Foundation
Date: October 18th
This four-mile Oktoberfest race, put on by Bryn Mawr Running Company, starts and ends at Boathouse Row. It’s also costume-encouraged—as in, lederhosen and beer-girl costumes. There’s an after party at Bachelors Barge Club, where you’ll get light refreshments.
The Stormwater Runoff 5K Trail Run
Benefits: Lower Merion Conservancy
Date: October 18th
I honestly can’t describe this event any better than the race website already does. Listen: “A beautiful and challenging 5K trail run through the hills and valleys of Rolling Hill Park, a 103-acre historic park in Gladwyne. The trail meanders along scenic Mill Creek, past stone mill ruins, over steep inclines and through open meadows before winding back down to Flat Rock Park on the Schuylkill River.” Told ya.
Run & Renew 5K
Benefits: Brides Against Breast Cancer
Date: October 4th
This Wildwood race, which starts and ends on the boardwalk at Morey’s Piers, is aimed at couples. Don’t believe me? It includes a vow renewal ceremony at the finish line. Prizes will be handed out for top finishes, best costumes and more.
Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how:
- Like Be Well Philly on Facebook
- Follow Be Well Philly on Twitter
- Follow Be Well Philly on Pinterest
- Get the Be Well Philly Newsletter
