Your Guide to Running in Philadelphia

Do you like to stay active when visiting a new city? You’re in luck — Philadelphia is a city built for running (Rocky alone proves that). It doesn’t matter if you prefer slow jogs or 4-minute miles, there are options for running in Philadelphia for everyone.

“You can retrace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers, take in the skyline from numerous easily accessible vantage points or listen to the sounds of your own footsteps along the trails in one of our beautiful urban parks like the Wissahickon or Pennypack,” said Liz Pagonis of Philadelphia Runner, an independent specialty running company with several store locations in city

“There are over 50 organized running clubs to meet up with and even more races that embrace and celebrate running in Philadelphia like the Philadelphia Distance Run, Philly Run Fest, Philadelphia Marathon, and the largest 10-mile road race in the country that runs right through the heart of the city – the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run.”

Find the race, trail, group, or tour that’s best for you and your running style for your stay in Philadelphia.

Running trails in Philadelphia

Embark on an exhilarating running adventure with these route recommendations from Philadelphia Runner’s Pagonis:

Across the Ben Franklin Bridge

Run to New Jersey and back via the bridge’s pedestrian path which can be accessed via 5th and Race streets near Old City’s Franklin Square. From the start of the bridge, it’s a 3-mile (about 5-kilometer) round trip journey. This path offers stunning views of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Kelly Drive aka “The East Falls Loop”

This 8-mile (just under 13-km) run begins at Lloyd Hall, One Boathouse Row, just behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The first segment stretches along Kelly Drive — adjacent to the Schuylkill River — to the Falls Bridge. Turn left, cross the bridge and turn left again, to head back downtown on MLK Jr. Drive. You will eventually wind up at the foot of the iconic Rocky Steps in front of the Art Museum. (Feel free to climb the 72 stone steps in triumph!) For the very ambitious: Stay on the path, passing the bridge. The trail stretches for almost 20 more miles (32 km) to Valley Forge National Park in the Countryside. 

Along the Schuylkill River

To get in a 5-mile (8-km) roundtrip run along the river, start at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and follow the Schuylkill River Trail, which is both on land and in the river thanks to the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk and newly-opened 650-foot (200-meter) cable supported bridge that takes you to the Grays Ferry Crescent in South Philadelphia.

Along the Delaware River

The Delaware River Trail runs about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) along the Delaware River from PPenn Treaty Park in the Fishtown neighborhood ( Beach Street and E. Columbia Avenue) to South Philadelphia’s Pier 70 , bringing you by some of the Delaware River Waterfront’s many public spaces including Spruce Street Harbor Park, Penn’s Landing, the Independence Seaport Museum, Cherry Street Pier, and Washington Avenue Green.

Boxer’s Trail

You can run the route of Philadelphia’s most famous boxer — not Rocky — Joe Frazier. The Boxers’ Trail, a 3.8-mile (6.1-km) gravel and dirt path, owes its name to “Smokin’ Joe”, who frequently trained on it. Nature lovers will enjoy this path along a wooded hilltop in East Fairmount Park, which honors Frazier and other boxers who trained there. In fact, this is where Muhammad Ali found Frazier to challenge him to a bout. Start and end your run at Reservoir Drive and North 33rd Street near the Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Ccourse.

Trolley Loop

Feel like you’re in the countryside with one of the newest trails in the city. The 4-mile (6.4-km) Trolley Trail loop follows a former trolley route, winding through tunnels and other cool structures, like the Stone Arch Bridge. The soft surface path can be accessed at Belmont Avenue and Chamounix Drive in West Fairmount Park.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park is a scenic, sprawling oasis just outside of Center City with a whopping 50+ miles (80+ km) of trails in its 2,000+ acres (810 hectares). Start at Forbidden Drive, the gravel path accessible from Lincoln Drive along the Wissahickon Creek, before seeking higher ground to hike the steep, wooded, and rugged trails that cut through the Wissahickon Gorge. Plan your visit to ensure spectacular views from bridges and along hillsides.

Competitive running in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is also home tonumerous annual running events and competitions, which are perfect to plan a trip around if you enjoy participating in (or spectating) alongside others from around the state, nation, and world.

Penn Relays

The nation’s oldest and largest track and field competition, Penn Relays features top competitors from around the world at the high school, collegiate, and Olympic levels. It also features runners of all ages, including 80-year-old sprinters and area grade school students. It’s held annually at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field each April.

The Love Run

A sellout event each year, the Love Run Half Marathon takes runners through Philadelphia’s great sights on an uplifting racecourse. The half marathon is held annually each March, typically toward the end of the month month.

Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run

A true Philadelphia tradition for more than 40 years, the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run is one of the fastest and largest 10-mile (16-km) runs in the country. The course is a point-to-point race along Broad Street, taking participants through many of Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods, including North Philadelphia, Center City, and South Philadelphia. You even get to run around City Hall before finishing in the Navy Yard. The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run takes place annually in the spring, normally the first Sunday in May.

Philadelphia Distance Run

The Philadelphia Distance Run annually takes place in the fall and includes two races: a 13.1-mile (21-km) half marathon that loops through Center City and Fairmount Park, and a 5K route that stretches along Kelly Drive on the eastern shore of the Schuylkill River.

Philadelphia Marathon

Offering a marathon, half marathon, and an 8k run, Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend has a course for every runner.  Even children can participate in the fun with the short distance Youth Fun Run, complete with medals and refreshments for participants. The main event of the weekend features the full marathon, a 26.2-mile (42.1-km) race that captures the very essence of Philadelphia  as it winds through almost every neighborhood. Don’t miss the free Health & Fitness Expo, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Rocky Run

As one of Philadelphia’s fastest-growing autumn races, the Rocky Run has quickly become a fan favorite, drawing upwards of 30,000 runners each fall who are eager to channel their inner champion. Starting at the base of the iconic “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this high-energy event is essentially three races in one.

The 5K: A fast, flat 3.1-mile sprint perfect for casual runners and families.
The 10-Miler: A true test of endurance and pacing along the scenic Schuylkill River.
The Italian Stallion Challenge: Ready to truly go the distance? This ultimate challenge combines both distances back-to-back. Completing the grueling 13.1-mile (21 km) half-marathon double earns you the ultimate prize: three massive, heavyweight-style finisher medals to take home.

Looking for more ways to stay active in Philadelphia? Check out our outdoors guide. our biking guide