Halloween Fitness Events in Philly: 15 Ways to Have a Fit (and Fun!) Halloween

Hey, you've got to earn your candy somehow. Might as well do it in costume, right?

Photo Courtesy Hatboro YMCA Facebook

Hatboro YMCA Skeleton Skurry | Photo via Facebook

As a kid, every Halloween I used to travel miles away with my siblings just to get to the most loaded trick-or-treating neighborhoods. You know, the neighborhoods with houses that hand out full-size chocolate bars? It wasn’t the most nutritious event. If I’m being completely honest here, half of my candy stash was gone that very night, victim to my kid-size sweet tooth.

Memories like these probably leave you reminiscing about Halloween as a candy extravaganza, only for the kids. But having a fun (and fit!) Halloween as an adult is totally possible. In fact, we’ve rounded up 15 options for you to bust a sweat come Halloween weekend. And, if you still have the sweet tooth of an elementary-school student, note: Some of these Halloween-themed events offer up healthy treats far better than any full-size candy bar. (Just don’t tell 10-year-old Eva I said that.)

The Body Fit Experience, Halloween Edition
Friday, October 23rd

This class combines Spin at Rittenhouse’s Body Cycle Studio and and an Art Museum boot camp workout led by Optimum Fit USA. Yeah, it’s killer. For the October edition, costumes are mandatory and, post-workout, the two best-dressed will rack up prizes at the after-class happy hour, held at Urban Saloon.

#Run4UrLife 3K
Thursday, October 29th

Run for your life through the historic West Laurel Hill Cemetery. Note: There will be creepy creatures popping out at every corner, so you should be ready to scream.

Halloween Costume Ride 
Saturday, October 31st

Join Kidical Mass Philadelphia for a Halloween bike ride geared towards the kids (or the kid in you). The ride starts at Washington Square and will end at Fitler Square, where there will be a fall festival. All ages are welcome, though speed demons beware: The ride will mosey along at a slow pace.

Black Cat 5K
Saturday, October 31st

This 5K benefits the Bucks County SPCA. If running isn’t your thing, there’s also a one-mile fun walk. If you have pets of your own, Fluffy and Fido aren’t allowed in the 5K run, but they can join you on the one-mile walk.

Glow in the Graveyard
Wednesday, October 28th 

This yoga class is sure to give you the spooks: It will be held in the cemetery of Society Hill’s St. Peter’s Church, after dark. And you’ll want to get there early to get a goody bag complete with glow sticks and treat-size KIND bars. Don’t forget to bring your mat and your best costume. All proceeds go to Philly Yoga Factory.

Boo-tiful Brains Hallowe’en 5K Run
Saturday, October 31st

If you’re in Norristown, join the Acquired Brain Injury Network of Pennsylvania in their first annual 5K run/one-mile fun walk, costumes strongly encouraged.

Heavy Metal Yoga and Tales of Vedic Monsters
Friday, October 30th 

Get your costume on and head to South Philly’s Palo Santo Wellness Boutique for some downward dogs taught to heavy metal music. And after class, stay for spooky stories about Vedic Monsters. Yes, it’s sure to be a very unique Halloween celebration.

Race for the Kids
Saturday, October 31st 

This race takes place at the Philadelphia Zoo. Coolest workout spot ever, right? Bring the kids and if you’re feeling daring, dress up like a lion, tiger or bear (oh my). After you complete the 5K or the one-mile walk, you might just win an award for best costume.

Howloween 5K and Dog Walk
Saturday, October 31st 

Deck out your pooch in a sweet doggy costumes and head out to North Wales for this dog-friendly 5K run/walk. Proceeds go to Home at Last Dog Rescue, which works to get adoptable dogs to their forever homes.

Hatboro YMCA Skeleton Skurry
Saturday, October 31st 

Bring the kids and watch them load up on goodies at this 5K’s free fitness treat trail. And you’re all going want to break out  your Halloween best: There will be $1,000 in cash prizes awarded to the spookiest, funniest, and best group costumes.

Knight of the Living Dead Zombie 5K Run
Saturday, October 31st 

It just isn’t Halloween if you aren’t being chased by a pack of flesh-hungry (flag-snatching) zombies. For this 5K you’ll be issued a race belt with flags attached, finish the race with as many flags possible and you just might win a prize. You can also choose not to run with a race belt if you don’t wish to be chased by zombies. But what’s the fun in that?

Halloween Intensive at Barre Focus Fitness
Saturday, October 31st

Stop by Haverford’s Barre Focus Fitness for an intense, Halloween-themed 75-minute sweat session. After class, stay and refuel with healthy Halloween treats.

Canal-O-Ween 5K and 8K
Saturday, October 31st 

This race kicks off with a pre-race party (with live music to boot!) and ends with a post-race breakfast buffet. You have your choice of a 5K or 8K along the Delaware Canal Towpath.

Pumpkin Run
Saturday, October 31st 

Run through Lower Perkiomen Valley Park to support Tourette Syndrome Awareness — and don’t forget your costume. The top three runners in each category will receive prizes. This run offers both a 5K and one-mile option.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
Saturday, October 31st

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly Halloween-themed, but who’s stopping you from wearing your costume, anyway? This half marathon ends with a festival complete with a concert and beer. And it’s for a good cause: Proceeds go to the American Association for Cancer Research.

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