This New Running Challenge Will Help You Explore Philly’s Hidden Gems

Rundiscover, which begins July 5th, will have you running through some of Philly’s lesser-traveled footpaths, including The Cliffs in Fairmount Park. / Photograph by Michael Panna.

Because the coronavirus pandemic cancelled — or at least significantly delayed — a number of in-person races, you may be finding it tough to stay motivated during an extended training period. To help you lace up and get excited again, a group of Philadelphia running pros have teamed up to launch a new outdoor challenge that you can do at your own pace.

Organized by Runhouse, Philadelphia Runner, The Philly 10K, and Run Fest, Rundiscover is a four-week running event that’ll get you exploring four “off the beaten path” courses throughout the city: The Cliffs in Fairmount Park, the Trolley Trail (also in Fairmount Park), the FDR Golf Course, and historic League Island in the Navy Yard. That way, you can shake up your everyday running routine and discover some of Philly’s hidden gems. (Let’s face it: your running sneaks could use some views other than the Schuylkill River Trail for a change.)

While the challenge officially begins on July 5th, it is untimed and can be done on your own schedule, as long as you complete it within the four-week timeframe. Plus, you can run the courses — which total 18.7 miles — as many times as you’d like. The goal is to simply get out and discover new footpaths.

Explore the FDR Golf Course by foot. / Photograph courtesy of Rundiscover.

Ryan Callahan, president of Runhouse and co-founder of The Philly 10K, says the team wanted the local, semi-virtual challenge to be more than just a “go run a 10K and we’ll ship you a medal” kind of event. “With races being cancelled [due to COVID], Rundiscover [strives to be] a way to keep Philly runners motivated, while also cultivating community and experiences during a time when we are mostly apart, and in a way that is flexible, free of crowds, and safe,” he says.

Registration is currently open and costs $38 per participant. Once you sign up, you’ll receive the course map, plus a limited edition Rundiscover poster and a $10 gift card to Philadelphia Runner. Bonus: $10 of every registration directly benefits two Philly nonprofits, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Students Run Philly Style. For more info, visit the Rundiscover FAQ page. Happy running and exploring!

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