Your Weekend Fitness Guide: Celebrate the Summer Solstice, Run on an Airplane Runway, and More

Kick off the start of summer with one of these fun fitness events happening around town.

CoreFitness class | Photo via Facebook

CoreFitness Boot Camp | Photo via Facebook

This Sunday marks the very first day of summer! Ring the season in right by participating in one of the many fun and fitness-filled events happening around town this weekend.


1. Celebrate the Summer Solstice
When: Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 21st.
Where: All over the city.

Sunday marks the first day of summer and, to celebrate, yoga studios all across the city are hosting Summer Solstice events where yogis will be completing 108 sun salutations to ring in the new season. You can check out our guide for where to celebrate here.

2. Gary Papa Father’s Day 10K/5K
When: Saturday, June 20th at 7 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Art Museum Area.

This annual run, in its 13th year, gives folks the option to run a 10K, 5K or participate in either a 5K or one-mile walk. The race, named after the late 6abc sportscaster Gary Papa who died of prostate cancer in 2009, benefits the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health. Registration will run you $35 on the day of the race, and note: they only take cash or checks for day-of registration.

3. Philadelphia Distance Walkers’ Walk to Fairmount Park Mansions and Boxer’s Trail
When: Saturday, June 20th at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet at Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row, Art Museum Area.

The Philadelphia Distance Walkers, a new Facebook community for folks who like to take long walks in Philly, will have their very first event this Saturday: A six-ish-mile walk touring the Fairmount Park Mansions and the lovely Boxer’s Trail. There’s also an option to cut the walk to three miles. Anyone and everyone is welcome and the event is free.

4. The Saucony Mile
When: Friday, June 20th at 6:45 p.m.
Where: Heritage Field at Pottstown/Limerick Airport, 50 Airport Road, Pottstown.

When was the last time you got to step foot on an airport runway, let alone run on one? We’re guessing never. Here’s your chance: At this unique one-mile race you’ll pound the pavement down a stretch of runway and, post-race, you’ll refuel with beer and burgers.

5. First Weekend of SUP Yoga at Spruce Street Harbor Park
When: Saturday, June 20th.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Delaware Waterfront.

This is the first weekend the ladies of Aqua Vida will be teaching SUP yoga on the Delaware and, although it looks like the classes are all full, if you happen to be down that way sipping on a cocktail at Spruce Street Harbor park, it’s worth watching folks get their downward dog on on the Delaware River.

6. BYO-Dad Boot Camp with CoreFitness
When: Saturday, June 20th at 9 a.m.
Where: Art Museum Steps

Before you head to Father’s Day brunch, get your sweat on with your dad at CoreFitness’ BYO-Dad boot camp on the Art Museum Steps.

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