Finish-Line Popsicles and Beer Are Just Some of the Reasons to Register for This Beloved Race

Registration for the iconic Philly 10K is opening up soon. / Photograph by Jon Kuntz

I love how excited Philadelphians get about their running races. In Denver, where I previously lived, there were definitely iconic races that everyone ran, like the Bolder Boulder and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. But few people were so stoked on these events that they felt inclined to mark their calendars for the days when registration opened, perhaps because so many of them were ultrarunning in the mountains and couldn’t be bothered to stay in the city for even one weekend. (You can probably tell how I feel about this.)

Here in Philly, though, the urban races seem like true community events — an opportunity for the various running clubs and groups spread throughout the area to come together and celebrate both the sport and the city they love. Whether it’s the Love Run Philly Half Marathon, the Broad Street Run, or the Philly 10K, the camaraderie is infectious, and it’s encouraging to see it win out over pure competition.

When it comes to the Philly 10K in particular, we at Be Well can’t wait to take in the race’s signature South Philly vibe, with folks perched on their stoops or in beach chairs on the sidewalk watching us jog by. And that’s why we’re eager to share that registration will open for the beloved August 25th race in less than a week, on April 8th at 10 a.m.

The fee will be a flat $65 to run down some of Philly’s classic corridors (South Street, East Passyunk Avenue) and people-watch as you go. But that’s just the race itself. Participants will also receive a finisher’s memento, as is tradition. “Instead of medals, we try to give runners a special keepsake, something that’s a little more thoughtful,” says Ryan Callahan, the founder of running branding and marketing company Runhouse and the Philly 10K’s race director. “But this is the first year where we’re really collaborating with an artist.”

While the design is still TBD, the artist is not; the Philly 10K has partnered with renowned local illustrator and screen printer Tim Gough, who boasts a modern, colorful aesthetic, to design the race poster you’ll get to keep once you’re done with your 6.2 miles. Gough actually ran the Philly 10K — and the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon – last year, a background that makes him a perfect fit for the race’s creative swag.

As per usual, Shake Shack and Federal Donuts are teaming up to create a new flavor of custard for all finishers, but West Philly’s Lil Pop Shop will also be on hand with vegan popsicles (!!) as an alternative snack. And you can expect cold beers from longtime partner Philadelphia Brewing Company as well.

Stay tuned for more info on the kickoff party (the Philly 10K’s version of bib pick-up and a fitness expo), which is moving to a new, yet-to-be-announced location. Looks like you’ll just have to sign up for the race to find out which place will play host to the authentic Philly vibes.

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