The Philadelphia area is known for Rocky, the Liberty Bell, greasy cheesesteak, and extra-large slices of pizza. Case in point: the Philly Taco involves wrapping a slice from Lorenzo’s around a cheesesteak from Jim’s and consuming it all together as one gloriously cheesy meal.
Nonetheless, Philly’s passion for fitness is just as strong as its love for cheesesteak, pizza, and soft pretzels. Read on for four fantastic fitness events in the area that will challenge you, educate you, keep you laughing, and feed you once you reach the finish line.
Valley Forge 5 Mile Run
In the running world, there are a few set distances which most races tend to cover: 5 kilometers (approximately 3.1 miles), 10 kilometers, 15 kilometers, a half marathon (13.1 miles), and a full marathon (26.2 miles). For relatively new runners who are comfortable with a 5K but may be intimidated by the prospect of entering a 10K or 15K, 5 miles is a perfect step-up distance. For those with a 10K, 15K, or even a marathon under their belts, pacing out a 5 mile run poses a unique challenge.
When you set out on the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5 Mile Run, you will reap benefits beyond a runner’s high. Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site where, during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington and his troops camped from 1777 to 1778. The run’s course will take you past reconstructed log cabins similar to those that the troops would have used during their encampment, Washington’s Memorial Chapel, and the United States National Memorial Arch. History buffs have the opportunity to stop by the visitor’s center to learn more.
The views are beautiful throughout: you’ll run through meadows and woodlands full of natural wildlife. For families and those who prefer a shorter walk or run, race organizers offer a three-mile walk and “Young Patriots Fun Run” for children ages 6-13 which covers the patriotic distance of 1.776 kilometers (approximately one mile).
Phillies Charities 5K
As a baseball fan, you can show your support for the Philadelphia Phillies in ways beyond attending games and buying jerseys. Proceeds from the Phillies Charities 5K, which takes place at the end of March each year, support organizations throughout the greater Philadelphia area, New Jersey, and Delaware.
The course consists of a loop around Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ home stadium. You’ll be entertained throughout the run, since there are multiple stations along the loop featuring live music, cheerleaders, and – best of all – the Phillie Phanatic in all of his green, fuzzy glory. When it’s time to cool down, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to take a lap or two around the field.
Registration for this race includes some serious perks. All participants receive a voucher for four tickets to an April Phillies game, a lightweight baseball-style shirt, a medal and bib, a drawstring bag, and a discount which may be used in the Phillies Team Store.
Beer Muscles Strongman Competition
If you prefer weights to cardio, Beer Muscles is the event for you! Held at 2SP Brewing Company in Aston, PA, co-hosted by Power Plant Gym, and sanctioned by the American Strongman Corporation, Beer Muscles is accessible to beginners as well as seasoned athletes.
Registration is divided into women’s and men’s lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight classes. The “novice” division, which includes men’s and women’s lightweight and heavyweight divisions, is recommended for those with zero to little weightlifting experience, and even those who have entered the competition in previous years may choose to be placed in novice depending upon their skill and comfort level.
The competition’s events change each year, but they are always beer-themed. Past events have included a backwards keg toss (with the goal of clearing a bar), pulling a 2SP beer truck (set in neutral) arm-over-arm using a rope, and loading kegs of various weights to a platform. Events take no more than two minutes each to complete, but they’ll make your heart race as much or more than any run.
Spectators and athletes who have finished their events are welcome to sample beers in 2SP’s tasting room. Several food trucks are stationed outside to feed hungry athletes throughout the day, and sponsors set up tents with fitness-related merchandise including tee shirts, tank tops, and protein bars.
Pirate Fun Run at the Renaissance Faire
For the first time in 2019, the Mount Hope, PA-based Renaissance Faire held a pirate-themed 5K and Fun Run/Treasure Hunt. While those focused primarily on running begin a chip-timed 5K at 9:00 AM, those in search of a unique experience can sleep in and arrive later in the morning for an 11:00 AM treasure hunt. Registration includes both options, so you can decide what you’d like to do as late as the morning of the event.
Treasure hunt participants receive a piece of paper filled with questions and just one hour to run around the grounds in search of as many answers as possible. There are several actors in costume available to offer clues, but they have the option of being as explicit or cryptic as they choose. The clues are difficult, even for those who have attended the Renaissance Faire, and in order to find the answers without running out of time, you’ll need to “move your booty” (to use the slogan included on the race t-shirts).
Costumes are optional, but dressing up as a pirate or in Renaissance-era garb makes for some great photo ops! Once time runs out, everyone has the chance to enjoy a complimentary turkey leg and pint of beer while the winners are announced. Prizes in 2019 included cash, gift cards, a bike, and a 2020 Renaissance Faire season pass.
The Philadelphia fitness scene offers engaging events that appeal to individuals and families with diverse interests and levels of activity. Whether you’re a regular gym goer, fun runner, or none of the above, there is an event out there for you! Why not step outside of your comfort zone? If nothing else, you’ll cross the finish line with swag and an awesome story to tell.
Julia Anderson 