Top Summer Fun Runs In Philly
Tough Mudder, tough scmudder. Extreme races might be all the rage, but what about those of us who aren't looking to get electrocuted or drown in a sludge pool during our Saturday morning run? If you'd rather dress up like a superhero than try to actually be one, these are the craziest, zaniest, most fun races to hit the Philly area this season. – Chelsea Karnash
Christmas in July 5K
McFadden's at the Ballpark
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.runbucks.com
Wednesday, July 9; 7 p.m.
Deck yourself in boughs of holly…and tinsel…and ornaments…or, really, whatever holiday décor you'd like: this race offers prizes for the best costumes. Plus, get into the Christmas spirit by donating a new unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots.
Cam's Moonlight 5K
Oaklands Corporate Center
495 Thomas Jones Way
Exton, Pa.
www.runccrs.com
Thursday, July 10; 9 p.m.
It's a lovely night for a moon…run? At this 5K, you'll jog by moonlight to support Cure4Cam.org and the fight against pediatric cancer. It's the perfect race for those who aren't, um, morning people.
Pretty Fly for a 5K
Memorial Hall
43 S Concourse St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.prettyflyfora5k.com
Saturday, July 12; 8:20 a.m.
Take a sweet trip back to the 90s at this 5K, which encourages runners to rock their best 90s getup. In addition to an easy jog accompanied by your favorite 90s classics, participants will also get a fanny pack filled with throwback goodies like slap bracelets and Warheads. Feeling thirsty? Grab a Kool Aid or Capri Sun along the course and hydrate!
The Color Run
Wells Fargo Center
3601 Broad St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.thecolorrun.com/philadelphia
Saturday, July 19; 9 a.m.
Who wouldn't want to participate in "the happiest 5k on the planet"? In case you haven't heard about it yet, the Color Run involves thousands of runners in white clothing getting doused with color as they complete the course. After your workout, hang out at the event's color-drenched dance party.
Hot Run in the Summertime 5K
Starts near Charlie Brown's Fresh Grill
111 N Broad St
Woodbury, NJ
www.rrcwoodbury.com/hot-run-in-the-summertime
Saturday, Aug. 2; 9:30 a.m.
Brave the summer heat for the Hot Run in the Summertime 5K, which concludes with a barbecue and a DJ. Plus, sprinklers will be on location to offer runners a cool-down, and participants are urged to bring their own lawn and beach chairs for some post-race relaxing.
Philadelphia OUCH! Race
Fairmount Park
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.active.com
Sunday, Aug. 24; 9 a.m.
Like the "choose your own adventure" of runs, the OUCH! Race allows you to pick your own distance. Set off on a 5K, 10K or even a 15K (for the truly brave!) through beautiful Fairmount Park, all to benefit the Bates-Jensen Wound Reach Foundation and their efforts to create a world without wounds.
Color Me Rad 5K
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S Broad St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.colormerad.com
Saturday, Aug. 30; 8:20 a.m.
This run has a major sense of humor -- it's kind of awesome (see the website for proof). Much like the Color Run, joggers wear their white and get covered in colorful dust via cannons, "mortars" and "bombs." Celebrate your colorful completion at the finish line with music and more colorful fun.
IronPigs' Bacon 5K Challenge
Coca-Cola Park
1050 Ironpigs Way
Allentown, Pa.
www.milb.com
Friday, Sept. 19; 6 p.m.
Well, this is one race that takes the concept of "jog and hog" to a whole new level. Runners competing in the Iron Pigs' Bacon Challenge must run the typical 5K, with one notable difference: a midway pit-stop for gorging on a half-pound of bacon. Prizes are being offered to the top competitors in a number of categories, and the race concludes with live music, food and drinks and – you guessed it – more bacon!
