Fairmount is a beautiful, scenic and popular place for many runners—novice and experienced alike. From Kelly Dr. to West River Dr. to Spring Garden St. and everywhere in between, you’re sure to find a path that your feet will fancy. With many ideal running courses in the area, it’s not surprising that Fairmount is a common venue for many races throughout the year.
October is a great month to step into those running shoes and out into the crisp autumn air—or the unseasonably hot autumn air as is the case in Philadelphia lately. Thankfully, there are plenty of races this month to keep your feet moving and your mind motivated in addition to offering you a chance to help out some great causes.
1. Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Run For Research-5K
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m.
- Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Memorial Hall
- Cost: $30 (online); $15 (children 6-17); free (children under 5)
- Benefits: Multiple myeloma research
- Fun Fact: You can bring your pup to this race as long as he or she is kept on a leash.
2. Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes-5K
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
- Where: 26th St and Ben Franklin Pkwy (Eakins Oval)
- Cost: Fundraising (minimum goal of $250.00)
- Benefits: Diabetes Research
- Fun Fact: Join in on Yoga, or Zumba during the morning hours before the walk kicks off!
3. Your Next Step is the Cure -5K
- When: Sunday, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m.
- Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Memorial Hall
- Cost: $25; $15 (seniors and children 5-12)
- Benefits: Lung cancer research
- Fun Fact: Hank Baskett, NFL Wide Receiver will be there!
4. Rest in Peace -5K
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.
- Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery (across the street from East Falls Fitness) 3822 Ridge Ave.
- Cost: $35; $20 (teens 13-19); $15 (children 8-12); free (children under 8)
- Benefits: Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery
- Fun Fact: There is an after-party at Laurel Hill Cemetery where runners get free beer, spooky treats, and a DJ spinning great party tunes and Halloween hits!
5. 4th Annual Justice for all - 5K
- When: Sunday, Oct. 13 at 8:30 a.m.
- Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Memorial Hall
- Cost: $25 (run) $20 (walk)
- Benefits: Community legal service
- Fun Fact: This walk features a Law School Challenge in which teams from area law schools compete against one another.
6. Spina Bifida 5K Run, Walk or Roll
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19 at ( a.m.
- Where: Lloyd Hall-1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Dr
- Cost: $25; @10 (children under 14); $100 (teams of 5)
- Benefits: Spina Bifida research
- Fun Fact: The team who brings in the most money fundraising gets a prize.
7. Kids Chance of PA- 5K/10K
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.
- Where: Northwestern Ave. and Forbidden Dr.
- Cost: $25; $10 (children under 10)
- Benefits: Those who need assistance for college or vocational education because a parent was killed or injured in a work-related accident.
- Fun Fact: “The Corporate Team Challenge” winner at each venue will be awarded a trophy.
8. Bobtoberfest- 4 mi
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m.
- Where: Lloyd Hall-1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Dr
- Cost: $25
- Benefits: ALS Hope- research for Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Fun Fact: The race ends with a party at The Ugly Moose in Manayunk.
9. 5K T1D Dash- JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
- When: Sunday, Oct. 27 at 8:30 a.m.
- Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
- Cost: Fundraising-$30/person minimum
- Benefits: Juvenile diabetes research
- Fun Fact: There is a Groupon for this event, here!
10. 22nd Annual Lupus Loop-5K
- When: Sunday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
- Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Memorial Hall
- Cost: $20 (adult); $10 (children)
- Benefits: Lupus research
- Fun Fact: This race features fun activities for the kids, refreshments, music, and sponsorship information tables.
