Run With Olympians at the First Annual Belmont Plateau Hall of Fame Classic

Runners at the Belmont Plateau | Photo via Philadelphia Runner

I’m sure plenty of you reading this have run a bazillion races in your lifetime, but how many of you have ever gotten to run alongside Olympic runners? Well, come August 30th, you’ll have the chance to do just that at the inaugural Belmont Plateau Hall of Fame Classic.

Over the last three years, the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department have been working together to fundraise $150,000 to restore the beautiful and historic trails of the Belmont Plateau and ensure its future maintenance. To break in the newly improved trails, Philadelphia University track coach Dave Thomas has partnered with the Conservancy and Philly Parks and Rec to organize the inaugural Belmont Plateau Hall of Fame Classic, a 5K race and one-mile run/walk that comes complete with former Olympians. So, if you’re not already planning on running the Philly 10K on the 30th, you can take a shot at leaving Olympic distance runner Erin Donahue, Olympic marathoner Gary Fanelli, and a host of collegiate champions in the dust. (Good luck with that, by the way.)

Proceeds from the race will benefit the continued maintenance of the race course and support the newly established Belmont Plateau Cross Country Hall of Fame, founded by Coach Thomas, which will honor the runners, coaches, and teams who have competed at the Plateau in the past and celebrate the traditions of cross country racing for years to come. More info about the Hall of Fame will be announced at the event.

And now, for the nitty gritty: Runners will meet for the Belmont Plateau Hall of Fame Classic at Montgomery Drive and Army Road at the Plateau, right off the Montgomery Avenue exit of the Schuylkill Expressway. The one-mile run/walk kicks off at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K race begins at 10. All ages are welcome to participate. It’s $15 to register for the one-miler, and $30 to register for the 5K, or $35 day-of. You can find out more about the race and sign up here.

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how:

• Like Be Well Philly on Facebook
• Follow Be Well Philly on Twitter
• Follow Be Well Philly on Pinterest
• Get the Be Well Philly Newsletter