Your Weekend Fitness Guide: The Rescue Run, Free Barre, Bike MS and More

Our picks for how to stay busy.

The Rescue Run 5K | Photo via Facebook

The Rescue Run 5K | Photo via Facebook

The weekend is almost upon us, friends. There’s plenty going on to keep you busy, of course — free barre and yoga, the Rescue Run 5K (puppies!) and even a pop-up tea picnic — but just remember: many of these activities are outdoors, and with the weather forecast as it currently sits (why, Joaquin, whyyyyy), keep an eye on the event websites to see if rain dates go into effect. 

1. The Rescue Run 5K
When: Saturday, October 3rd at 10 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Our pals at the Monster Milers will host their third annual Rescue Run, which features adorable, adoptable pups at the finish line (as well as free massages!). The chip-timed race is contained entirely within the Navy Yard complex on an out-and-back course. It’s $35 to participate (race-day registration only).

2. Barre3 in the Park
When: Sunday, October 4th from 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Bryn Mawr Gazebo, 9 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr.

Barre3 is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a free outdoor barre class and fun giveaways. Just be sure to bring your own yoga mat and water.

3. Pop-up Tea Picnic in Washington Square
When: Sunday, October 4th from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Meet at the corner of Washington Square Park nearest 7th Street and South Washington Square Street.

Philly’s tea blogger Alexis Siemons is hosting a pop-up tea picnic this weekend to raise money for the FEED Foundation, a nonprofit that supports organizations and projects that fight hunger and malnutrition. For a minimum $10 donation, you’ll be served two teas (one hot oolong tea and one cold matcha tea) and receive a steeped parting gift. The first 20 people to arrive will receive a set of handmade gourmet Japanese sugars. You’ll need to bring your favorite mug for sipping tea and a picnic blanket, along with thermoses of cold water and hot water. Siemons will provide all of the tea and steep each for you. She’ll also lead you through a guided tea tasting. You can make your donation — which serves as your sign up — here. The rain date for this event is October 11th.

4. Bike MS: City to Shore Ride
When: October 3rd and 4th.
Where: Starting points in Mays Landing, Hammonton and Cherry Hill.

Ever dream of riding your bike to the Shore? Now’s your chance. Join 7,000 cyclists for the National MS Society’s annual City to Shore Ride. There are multiple distances to choose from — from a one-day 25-miler to a two-day 180-miler — and aid stations, refreshments and bike support along the way. All rides end in Ocean City. It’s $100 to register, and fundraising is encouraged.

5. Old School Trail Run
When: Sunday, October 4th at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Wissahickon Valley Park; meet at the trailhead of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue (200 Northwestern Avenue) in front of the Cedars House.

You can opt for a five-mile race or one-mile hike in the Wissahickon for this one. The run will take you off Forbidden Drive for time on ruddy backwoods trails, through meadows, along the creek and more. The race raises money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles. It’s $30 for the run and $20 for the walk.

6. Free Yoga in West Chester
When: Saturday, October 3rd at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Sykes Student Union at West Chester University.

Philly Area Yoga brings back its Namas Day yoga festival this weekend. And while there are plenty of workshops and classes to take part in, we suggest you make a pit stop at Pop-up Yoga Philly’s free session at 1:30. It’s suitable for all levels, and open to anyone — whether you’re participating in the rest of Namas Day or not.

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