10 Coolest Fitness and Foodie Events in Philly This Month: December 2014

South Philly’s popular Holiday Lights Run returns this month. | Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The month in fitness and foodie events—get your calendars ready, people.

1. Rocky 50K Fat Ass Run
What: Yup, that’s still the official name. The Rocky 50K returns for its second year with a free, for-fun, non-sanctioned run hitting all the iconic Philly sites featured in Rocky II. Complete all of it (31 miles) or part of it for some serious bragging rights. (Then check it off your bucket list!)
When: Saturday, December 6th at 7 a.m.
Where: Start at Wolf Street and South Lambert Street in South Philly and finish at the Art Museum Steps.

2. Fairmount Park Jingle Jog
What: Fairmount Park Conservancy is hosting the first-ever Jingle Jog, an 8.2-mile run through Fairmount Park with pit stops at a slew of the park’s historic houses, including Strawberry Mansion, Woodford Mansion and more. If eight miles seems like a bit much for you, no worries: You have the option to hop on the Holly Trolley—a free trolley that loops around to all of the historic houses—any time you feel like it. The event costs $25 and includes entry to all the houses and a keepsake mug.
When: Saturday, December 6th at 9 a.m.
Where: Leave from Lloyd Hall.

3. South Philly Holiday Lights Run
What: South Philly Striders and Fishtown Beer Runners team up every year for this popular South Philly tour de lights. You’ll run through the neighborhood as a group—holiday costumes encouraged—to see all the pretty holiday lights in South Philly. Feel free to bring canned food donations to the starting location to benefit Philabundance. The run ends at American Sardine Bar for an after party.
When: Thursday, December 11th at 7 p.m.
Where: Start at Broad and Oregon and end at 18th and Federal.

4. Vegan Holiday Supper at COOK
What: Vegan chef Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel’s Pantry will whip up holiday-ready vegan eats, like pear, cashew ricotta and arugula ravioli, Brussels sprouts slaw, and seitan wellington with chestnut and oyster mushroom stuffing. It’s $135 for the demo and meal.
When: Wednesday, December 3rd at 7 p.m.
Where: COOK, 253 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse.

5. Restoramassage Workshop
What: This yoga class combines the two greatest things ever: restorative yoga poses (ones that use props for ultimate comfort and deep release) and massage therapy. Mama’s owner Paige Chapman will lead yoga, and massage therapist Justin Eddinger will provide massages. It’s $40 for the whole shebang.
When: Sunday, December 7th from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.
Where: Mama’s Wellness Joint, 1100 Pine Street, Midtown Village.

6. Wissahickon Wanderers Winter Solstice Trail 10K
What: The Wissahickon Wanders Running Club is hosting an inaugural race celebrating the winter solstice. The timed 10K run through Wissahickon Valley Park will include steep climbs, rolling descents, a “hidden” trail (!), scenic bridges, and a fast finish along Forbidden Drive. There will be a water station—stocked with egg nog and fruit cake, too—at mile three. The event is free but race shirts will be available for purchase.
When: Sunday, December 21st at 9 a.m.
Where: Starts and finishes at Valley Green Inn in the Wisshickon.

7. Frisky for the Holidays Dance Workshop with Philly Dance Fitness
What: This sexy striptease aerobics dance class is all about getting, well, frisky for the holidays. It’s set to a holiday playlist of new and old favorites, with plenty of sexy dance moves to go around. It includes a complimentary chocolate and wine tasting. It costs $20 through December 6th and $25 after.
When: Saturday, December 13th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1301 Locust Street, second floor, Midtown Village.

8. Holiday Lights Bike Ride
What: Just like the December 11th run (see #3), but this one’s for cyclists. The Bicycle Coalition will lead a bicycle tour of South Philly’s most festive streets. The seven-mile ride will move at a leisurely pace (Read: It’s for all levels.) and will take about two hours to finish. The after party will be at the soon to open SouthHouse (2435 South 13th Street), where there will be beer and food specials. The ride is free, but space is limited, so RSVP here.
When: December 18th at 5 p.m.
Where: Meet at Performance Bicycles, 1300 South Columbus Boulevard, Delaware Riverfront.

9. Schuylkill River Loop Race
What: Run the legendary Schuykill River Loop (from Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River Trail, over Falls Bridge, and back toward the city on MLK Drive) in this Bryn Mawr Running Company race. Proceeds go to Philadelphia Athletic Charities, which helps maintain the Belmont Plateau.
When: Sunday, December 7th at 10 a.m.
Where: Starts and finishes at Lloyd Hall.

10. Holiday Baking Series
What: P.S. & Co. owner Andrea Kyan will share her gluten-free, vegan, organic baking secrets in this holiday-themed demo series. The first workshop will focus on holiday cookies, the second on coconut macaroons, and the third on tarts and pies. The workshops are demo format with hands-on opportunities and taste-testing. It’s $125 for the series or $45 for an individual class.
When: December 6th, 13th and 20th
Where: P.S. & Co., 1706 Locust Street, Rittenhouse.

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