Philly's Most Influential Runner Gives the Down Low

By Jon Lyons at Run215

Originally Appearing on Run215 - Image via Philly.com

Runners, rejoice!! The most epic month of racing in Philadelphia has finally arrived! Whether you dig the leaves turning orange-red, or the nip of a chilly morning run, the month of November is a runner’s dream. We combed through our extensive race directory and singled out the 5 upcoming races you should not miss in the next 30 days.  From marathon-mileage to 5k’s, we’ve got you covered.  Go and have a look…

1. The American Diabetes Association Step Out 5k

New this year, the ADA Step Out 5k was added to their Step Out Walk To Stop Diabetes because, well, running is just AWESOME. Join thousands of others on Saturday, November 5th on the Art Museum Steps and support the 30 million Americans that live with diabetes. For $25 (which is crazy cheap) you can warm up with pre-race yoga, enjoy the beautiful course down West River Drive, shred some calories, and help positively impact people’s lives!

Reasons to run: Cheap as heck, supports a good cause, yoga FTW

Registration: http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/StepOutContent?pg=entry&fr_id=1153

2. The Woodlands Gobble Wobble 5k

Have you ever run a 5k in a cemetery? No? How about a historic 18th century estate? Well… It looks like you need to get your butt over to The Woodlands Gobble Wobble 5k on Saturday, November 12th!  The Woodlands Cemetery is a historic treasure of Philadelphia, and 100% of the proceeds from this race help maintain the grounds. As an added bonus, each registered runner will get a 1 year membership to the Woodlands, which will get you into the several exclusive runner’s events and happy hours that happen throughout the year!  As a double-added bonus, the first 100 registrants will receive a Woodlands pint glass that you can fill with beer from Clarkville restaurant after the race!

Reasons to run: Historic, totally in a cemetery, scenery, beer

Registration: http://woodlandsphila.org/events-calendar/gobblewobble2016

3. The Lemon Run

If you’re looking for another run for a wonderful cause, check out the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Lemon Run on Sunday, November 13th. In case you live under a rock, Alex’s Lemonade Stand is one of the biggest charities to help cure Childhood Cancer. This run begins at Memorial Hall and loops you through the always-gorgeous Fairmount Park, ending with Alexandra “Alex” Scott’s parents (Liz & Jay) handing out prizes to top finishers. Bring a box of tissues, cause this powerful race experience is going to hit you right in the chest.

Reasons to run: Great course, scenery, cancer sucks

Registration: https://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/lemon-run

4. The Philadelphia Marathon & Half Marathon

I mean, do we really need to explain why you should run this race? This is OUR race. Whether you choose the Half Marathon on November 19th, or the full on November 20th, you’ll get to experience the roaring crowds on Chestnut Street, the fratboys in questionable condition in University City, the insanity of Manayunk, and the electricity at the finish line. We look forward to this race every year like giddy children waiting for Santa on Christmas morning. There just isn’t a more awesome weekend to be a runner in Philadelphia than marathon weekend. (P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for the RUN215 cheer tent on the course!)

Reasons to run: Total awesomeness, #ourmarathon, beer in Manayunk, adrenaline, duh…

Registration: http://philadelphiamarathon.com

5. BCRR Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler

If you’re looking for the best way to get ahead of the caloric massacre that will happen at Thanksgiving dinner, may we recommend the 27th Annual Bucks Country Road Runners Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler? This is a flat, super fast course conducted by Bucks County’s largest running club. We recommend this race if you need to get some decent mileage in and/or shred some serious calories before your campaign of gluttony begins later that night.

Reasons to run: flat course, less shame during that 3rd or 4th helping of stuffing

Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Langhorne/CustomersBankBCRRThanksgivingDay5Miler

Author Bio: Jon Lyons

Fitness activist. #Run215 Founder //#CityFitnessPhilly Marketing // #VisionZero advocate