Everything you need to know about the Philly 10K 2018

It’s humid and hot during the last weekend in August, probably more so than it’s been all summer. A little more heat isn’t going to stop the endurance runners behind this 6.2 mile stride through the most familiar parts of South Philly and Center City – just like it hasn’t in the five years since the Philly 10K commenced. Yes, there are cash prizes, but that’s not the point. You do this run (and please, no walkers: Philly 10K is a running race, and active participants must be able to maintain a 15 minute per mile pace) for pride and for the right to say you did so.

When is the Philly 10K 2018?

This year’s Philly 10K will take place Sunday, August 26, rain or shine, starting at 7:30 a.m. on the corner of 8th and South. Bibs must be picked up, in advance, at the Philly 10K Diadora Kickoff Party at Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Ave. on Friday, August 24 (starting at 4 p.m.) and Saturday, August 25 (starting at 10 a.m. ) To quote, the Philly 10K’s literature, “Runners have to come. Everyone can come.”

Once you start the race from the 8^th and South starting gate, the 6.2 mile run – a USATF Certified 10K course – will take you through the Italian Market past Broad Street into Center City and MidTown Village, then back around to 5^th and South again for the finish line.  There is no time schedule for the race once you commence the running (the exact course can be viewed online), but, as the after-party ends at 11 a.m. (see below), I would advise you to move fast, and carefully – no hammy pulls or heart attacks.

Philly 10K 2018 after party

Philadelphia Brewing Company, Shake Shack and Federal Donuts (the latter two getting together for a  special Philly 10K creamy cold custard swirl) host the post-race bash on Bainbridge St. between 4th and 5^th and 5th St. and Passyunk Ave. between South and Monroe, once you’ve crossed the finish line. The post-race party ends at 11 a.m.

How much does the Philly 10K cost? 

Anyone can watch the Philly 10K from their windows, balconies or on the street, so that’s free. Runners have to pay, in advance,  $64, plus a $5 registration fee, available at runsignup.com. Registration includes a soft tri-blend Diadora race shirt you’ll wear under your bib during the race, access to the post-party’s Special Philly 10K Shake Shack + Federal Donuts Custard and a sold, PBC beer, a locally-produced finisher’s keepsake, and – as they say at the Philly 10 K  – “the ability to run care-free past as many red lights as you want through the core of the 5th largest city in the country.”

Check out thephilly10k.com for additional information.