I don’t like all these back-to-school commercials. I’m annoyed with the “looks for Fall” emails from my favorite fashion sites flooding my inbox. I love summer, longer days and the slightly slower pace that comes with it. Don’t get me wrong – I adore Fall too. I’m.just.not.ready.

However, seasons do change and cooler weather is coming so I’ll buck up and find things to get excited about. One Fall activity high on my list? Running and racing outdoors! I find the crispness of Fall ideal running weather. And, I always get pumped this time of year for fun Fall races. I like to run a 5k at the end of the summer or beginning of Fall to ease me back into running (which I often take a hiatus from when it’s sweltering outside).

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting into races the 5k is a really manageable distance.  If walking is more your thing- no worries – almost all 5ks welcome walkers as well. Here’s two Philadelphia 5ks worth signing up for:

Second Annual Boxers’ Trail 5K Run/Walk

When: Saturday, September 14 9:30am

Where: Mander Recreation Center in East Fairmount Park , 2140 N. 33rd St.

The event, presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Charms of Fairmount Park, will benefit Mander Recreation Center, which organizes local youth programs, including nature walks along the Boxers’ Trail and a youth Trail Tending Program.

 Registration fees are reasonable at $20 for runners and $15 for walkers. Participants can register online or by calling 215-988-9334.  Runners and walkers will experience the famed trails where heavy weight boxing champion Joe Frazier trained. The 5K run is timed, with medals for children and the top male and female finishers; the 5Kwalk is a non-competitive way to participate and see the trails.

 All participants who register for the race will receive a Boxers’ Trail 5K t-shirt. Snacks, fruit and water will be provided at the finish line, where participants can also enjoy free boxing demonstrations. Following the race, Strawberry Mansion Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This family friendly event will include food, education, music and more. For more information about the Boxer’s Trail 5K or Strawberry Mansion Day, please visit Fairmount Park Conservancy .

Monster Milers: First 5K event 

When: Sunday, September 29 10am

Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard

 The Monster Milers is a Philly shelter dog running group. Their first Philadelphia 5K to promote animal rescue and adoption should be a fun one.  Race Registration costs $30 and includes a tech tee and race chip.

Proceeds benefit The Monster Milers, whose mission is to pair over 330 Philadelphia runners with thousands of dogs from area shelters as running companions.  During the post race Rescue Rally, spectators and runners can grab bites from Philly’s favorite food trucks, meet adoptable furry friends and get more information about
getting involved with local animal shelters.  Learn more and register.

Check out this comprehensive list for more Philadelphia 5ks and races.

A Footnote:  Before I hit publish on this post today I was out for a run this morning. The sun was shining, the breeze felt great and I ran long enough to experience ‘runners high’ (this doesn’t happen for me every run).  I was feeling good until I came home to find my husband had accidentally locked me out of the house.  I had no keys, no cell. After about 20 minutes I  fortunately tracked down a woman walking her dog and asked if I could borrow her phone. She was a doll, and helped me out. Despite it taking over an hour just to get back in my house , a grumbling post-run stomach, a meeting interrupted, and the fact that I am now way behind for the day I’d still say my run was worth it. 🙂 

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Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen. View all posts by Beth Funari