Run This Artsy 5K to Raise Money for Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
And get a host of perks like a free pass to the tourist destination and discounted brunch.
Run by artist Isaiah Zagar’s famous mosaics during this 5K to benefit the Magic Gardens’ repair fund. / Photograph courtesy of SeePhillyRun
Isaiah Zagar’s mosaicked walls are as much an integral part of South Street as the smoke shops. But over the decades that they’ve glittered from alleys and street corners, everything from weather to, uh, love taps from cars has damaged the eye-catching art pieces.
So, on October 5th, sightseeing running agency SeePhillyRun is partnering with Hawthornes Beer Cafe and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to host a 5K run benefiting the repair fund for the tourist destination as well as Zagar’s other mosaics.
This 5K is appropriate for runners of all experience levels (it’s not a race, yay!) and features a “secret mosaic route” that will pass by more than 100 mosaics, with several stops where you can learn more about the artwork, pause to catch your breath, and pose for photo ops with your friends.
The tour starts at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens with pre-run snacks and ends a couple blocks away at Hawthornes, where you’ll be eligible for a complimentary alcoholic beverage and 10 percent off brunch. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the run, led by SeePhillyRun owner Ian Thomas, kicks off around 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $59, and 20 percent of proceeds will go toward restoring the Magic Gardens.
Runners can redeem their free drinks — non-alcoholic options are also available — and discounted brunch at Hawthornes by presenting their wristband that will be provided at check-in. If you don’t want to wait for a table after your run, Hawthornes recommends reserving a spot on OpenTable for 10 a.m. when the run is scheduled to finish up.
Tickets also come with a slew of perks for participants, like a one-time redeemable pass to visit the Magic Gardens, valid for one year after the race. With this guest pass, there’s no need to schedule your visit online; just show up with your pass and skip the line. In addition, runners can win some free Magic Gardens swag by posting photos to Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #pmg5Kfunrun.
Reserve your spot for the run here.
