10 Summer 5Ks to Have On Your Radar
The Color Run | Photograph by Cara Worcester
Summer is officially, officially here, so it’s time to think about your running plan for the months ahead. Since you all seemed to love our spring 5K picks so much, we decided to revise the idea for the summer season. So check out these super fun 5K runs coming up through mid September, doable for all fitness levels, whether you’re looking to PR or finish your first race ever.
Summer Trail Run Series at Haverford Reserve
On June 25th and July 9th and 23rd, Haverford Township will host three no-pressure evening trail runs in the peaceful Haverford Reserve, near the Merion Golf Club. The 5K runs are an opportunity to test your pace, get outdoors and have fun. Registration: $12.
You’ll score free entry to the Philadelphia Zoo and a free beer at this after-work July 3rd race. Can you think of a better way to start your Fourth of July weekend? Registration: $35 until July 1st, $40 after.
The 90s are back with this debut theme run on July 12th. Pop Rocks, Fruit by the Foot and slap bracelets are among the nostalgic swag. Registration: $55 until July 10th, $60 after.
This is a fun one: The race begins as the first notes of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony ring out, and your goal is to make it back to the finish line by the time it’s over—32 minutes later. The race is on July 17th at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester. Proceeds benefit Kennett Symphony of West Chester. Registration: $25 through July 14th, $30 after.
If you haven’t done it yet and you’re curious to find out what it’s like to be a human rainbow, here’s your opportunity. The Color Run returns to Philly on July 19th, this year down at the Stadium Complex. Runners get blasted with colored powder every kilometer. Registration: $45.
Back On My Feet In24 Finale 5K
On July 19th and 20th, Philly-based nonprofit Back On My Feet will host its annual 24-hour race weekend. It consists of several running challenges that happen simultaneously—i.e. 24-hours worth of laps around the 8.4-mile Schuylkill River Running Loop—including a 5K finale run. The 3.1-mile run will take part on a portion of the Running Loop on Sunday, with a celebratory breakfast to follow. Registration: $35.
Merrell Down & Dirty Obstacle Race
There’s a three-mile option for this obstacle course race on July 27th, replete with mud pits, cargo nets, slides and more. Prepare to get muddy. Registration: $70 through July 6th, with tiers to $85 on race day.
Barbecue and beer will greet you at the end of this August 2nd race. The course takes you through Woodbury, New Jersey, and ends at Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill, where runners are invited to a post-race bash. Registration: $40.
Chickie’s and Pete’s 5K Boardwalk Run
We told you about this August 23rd race last month, but figured it was worth reminding you about here. The Atlantic City boardwalk is the course, and every runner scores a free order of crabfries and a beer at the end. Registration: $40 until June 29th, $50 after.
A 1980s-themed 5K run in Deptford, New Jersey, complete with a costume contest. Need we say more? Oh, fine: There’s free beer, too. Race day is September 14th. Registration: $40.
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