9 Philly-Area Fun Runs That’ll Motivate You to Break a Sweat This Summer
These 5Ks range from playful (bubbles, foam obstacles) to scenic (winding through a vineyard).
One of our top summer fun runs, Grape Stomper 5K takes runners on an evening jog through the Paradocx Vineyard. / Photograph courtesy of Fusion Race Timing
When it’s humid and 80-some degrees during the middle of the summer, motivation to lace up your running shoes and hit the sidewalk is hard to come by. Luckily, the Philadelphia area is home to a number of seasonal fun runs that turn going for a run into a full-blown event, complete with pre-race activities, themes, and after parties. Below are nine area races that will provide a bit of exercise and a lot of fun.
Blacklight Run
What: Wear a white T-shirt (or don the one given to you at registration) to the starting line of this zany 5K to make sure you reap the full benefits of the UV glow powder and blacklight zones throughout its three-mile course. By the time you finish the race, you’ll be literally glowing — just in time for the after party, featuring DJs and a “glow throw” of powder every 15 minutes.
When: Saturday, July 13th, 8:45 p.m.
Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive
Price: $40. Register here.
Bubble Run
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What: The Bubble Run gives you the bubble bath you always dreamed of as a kid. After leaving the corral in waves of 200 to 300 people, runners pass through colored foam bogs every kilometer and are greeted by foam cannons at the finish line.
When: Saturday, June 29th, 8 a.m.
Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive
Price: $40. Register here.
Hot Run in the Summertime
What: Don’t let the name turn you away — while the temps will likely be steamy, the beautiful course makes up for the weather. The 5K tours Woodbury’s scenic East End neighborhood and circles back around to the Woodbury Station Cafe, which will provide all participants with free breakfast after the race.
When: Saturday, August 3rd, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Woodbury Station Cafe, 101 Cooper Street, Woodbury, New Jersey. (Course starts and finishes on Railroad Avenue.)
Price: $30. Register here.
The Great Inflatable Race
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What: Eight to 10 giant inflatable obstacles (think: moonbounce-esque ball pits, slides, and more) are scattered across the course to make the three-mile endeavor much more intriguing. Race your family and friends to each one; you’ll pose for a photo op at the final feature. Following the race, visit the Inflatable Village for an after party.
When: Saturday, June 22nd, 9 a.m.
Where: Warminster Community Park, 350 East Bristol Road, Warminster
Price: $35. Register here.
Basset’s Eat & Run 5K
What: Fittingly held on National Ice Cream Day, Basset’s Eat & Run 5K participants will run half of a 5K, eat a pint of ice cream, and then run the final 1.55 miles. (It’s like a beer mile but with ice cream.) More interested in a frozen treat than a jog? Sign up for the “No Run for Me – Just Gimme Ice Cream” option for $4.99.
When: Sunday, July 21st, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Mike Schmidt statue
Price: $35. Register here.
Run for Rhinos
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What: Now in its third year, the Run for Rhinos 5K aims to raise awareness for the endangered rhino species and funds that promote rhino conservation. Once you’ve completed the course (options include a 5K run or a one-mile walk) in and around the zoo, you can spend the rest of the day looking at your favorite animals free of charge.
When: Saturday, June 15th, 8:15 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue
Price: $40. Register here.
Horsham Pennsylvania Tribal Challenge 2019
What: Form a team of four and venture through a three-mile, mud-filled obstacle course that’s sure to offer a fun challenge and great photo opportunities. All members must complete the course together, creating a thread of teamwork that runs throughout the entire race day experience, from registration — where team names, costumes, and themes are all encouraged — to the finish line.
When: Wednesday, July 10th, 6 p.m.
Where: Hatboro Area YMCA, 440 South York Road, Hatboro
Price: $60 per team member. Register here.
Blobfest 5K
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What: Once again, Phoenixville’s Runegades have teamed up with the Colonial Theatre to put on the Blobfest 5K. Inspired by the 1958 horror film The Blob, participants are tasked with running away from a fictional meteorite that has landed in Phoenixville. In order to escape, they’ll have to get by their fair share of “blobstacles.”
When: Sunday, July 15th, 8:10 a.m.
Where: Phoenixville, beneath the Gay Street Bridge
Price: $30 until June 16, $35 after June 16. Register Here.
Grape Stomper 5K
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What: This course takes runners through Landenberg’s stunning Paradocx Vineyard, routing them through the winding mazes of grapes. The sights are one thing, but the post-race celebration is what separates this 5K from other fusion events. Tons of music, food, and — naturally — wine will be available as soon as you cross the finish line.
When: Friday, August 2nd, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Paradocx Vineyard, 1833 Flint Hill Road, Landenberg
Price: $20. Register here.
