Run to Work PHL Returns This Month. Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Run Your Commute.

Run to Work PHL is now in its fifth year. Photograph by Adjua Fisher.

Have you ever been in a bad patch of traffic, staring out at the sea of red taillights ahead of you and thought, My gosh, I could literally run to work faster than this? Well, friends, now’s your chance to prove it: On September 21, Philadelphia’s annual Run to Work PHL will return, which means we’re challenging you (yes, you) to put down your SEPTA pass, leave your car keys at home, and to instead to lace up your sneakers to literally run to work.

This annual celebration of run commuting is now in its fifth year. It all started, believe it or not, over some tweets between RUN215, Philadelphia Runner, and Be Well Philly. Now it’s grown to a yearly staple in the Philly running community, a day on which we all get a chance to rethink our commutes and look for new, more planet-friendly ways to get to the office.

So, how exactly do you get in on the fun? It’s really simple — you can RSVP to the Facebook event here, and then plan out how you’re going to hoof it from your house to your office on the morning of September 21. You’ll also want to make sure to post on social media that you’re partaking in the challenge — use the hashtag #RUNTOWORKPHL so we can see you in action!

Oh, and there are some good incentives to participate and post about it on Instagram: Philadelphia Runner will be choosing three winners who post on Instagram using the day’s hashtag and tagging @phillyrun and @run_215 to award some special prizes from their store. Plus, Philadelphia Runner has plans to open their Center City shop (1601 Sansom Street) a little early at 9 a.m., so runners can swing by for free coffee, doughnuts, and store discounts (yes, PLEASE).

Now, I know this sounds amazing, but also you may be thinking: How will I get all my stuff to the office? or What if I’m all sweaty and need to shower? or What, am I supposed to wear running clothes all day? DON’T FRET. We’ve answered all of these questions right here.

And if your commute is way too long — or, you know, too short (we see you, work from home champs!) — we have advice for that too.

Who’s ready to run this city? See you out on the pavement on September 21 — and don’t forget to share your adventures with #RUNTOWORKPHL!

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