Hundreds of runners are expected to lace up for a beloved community tradition later this month.
After a successful spring event, Yards Brewing Company and the Philadelphia Distance Run are teaming up once again to host the final Yards Bridge Run of 2026. Set for Tuesday, Aug. 18, the free event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels for a trek across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge before returning to the brewery for food, drinks, raffles, and more.
The Yards Bridge Runs series began in 2014 as a passion project by longtime Yards employee Keith Zonderwyk.
"One of the things I've always loved about these runs is that they're truly for everyone," explains Zonderwyk. "You'll see people training for a half marathon running alongside someone crossing the bridge for the first time. We've got serious runners, casual runners, and everyone in between. The run is great, but it's really about bringing people together and building the community. The fact that we get to support an organization like Students Run Philly Style makes it even more special."
Zonderwyk, who has worked as a maintenance technician at Yards for more than 14 years, continues to champion the event and is partnering with the Philadelphia Distance Run to expand participation and increase fundraising efforts for the local nonprofit group, Students Run Philly Style.
Participants will gather at the Yards Taproom (500 Spring Garden Street) at 6 p.m. before setting out on an approximately 4.25-mile route that crosses the Bridge and returns to the brewery. Brooks Running will also be on-site offering shoe demos during the event alongside its collaboration with Students Run Philly Style through a 3D-printed shoe initiative.
Participants additionally have the opportunity to participate in a raffle fundraiser throughout the evening. Donations of $5 include one raffle ticket, $10 earns five tickets, and a $20 contribution receives an arm's length of raffle tickets. Every donation also includes $1 off draft beer and $5 canned beer specials, while raffle prizes include complimentary entries into the Philadelphia Distance Run 5K or Half Marathon, gift cards from Philly Runner and Yards Brewing Company, and additional prizes.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Students Run Philly Style, a nonprofit organization that pairs volunteer mentors with teams of students, guiding them through months of training as they work toward completing a half or full marathon.
For more information, visit yardsbrewing.com
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