From the August 2004 issue of Runner's World
Our Tour Guide: Dan Gordon, president of the Wissahickon Wanderers Running Club
"Stepping into the Philadelphia running world is a bit like entering a mom-and-pop store. It's informal, very welcoming, a little quirky, and it has lots to offer," says Dan Gordon, president of the off-road-oriented Wissahickon Wanderers. "The most popular running routes are the 8.5-mile loop along the Schuylkill River, and the 5.5-mile 'Forbidden Drive' trail through the wooded Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park [Philly's massive urban green lung]."
River Run
"The Schuylkill River loop starts near downtown at the Philadelphia Art Museum, which is situated on a hill above the river. With its gigantic columns, it's impossible to miss. Start at the Rocky steps-made famous by Sly Stallone--then run around the museum toward the Schuylkill and its boathouses, home base for the city's many rowing clubs. Here you run on a blacktop walkway, with mileage markers, that follows Kelly Drive out to Falls Bridge. Cross the river here, then come back on West River Drive. Especially on sunny days, the loop attracts a lot of runners, in-line skaters, and cyclists, so pay attention to pedestrian traffic."
Forbidden Fruits
"The Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park is just a 15-minute (or 5-mile) drive from downtown. Here you can get on Forbidden Drive, which is the spine of an urban forest that runs along Wissahickon Creek. The drive's surface is dirt and gravel, and it's 'forbidden' because vehicles are prohibited. The trails leading off Forbidden Drive are hard-packed dirt, and all are signposted. The footing is generally good, but there are some sections with rocks and roots. Adventurous runners don't break stride on these sections, but those unfamiliar with the trail system need to keep their eyes on the ground in front of them. The best way to reach Forbidden Drive is to take Wises Mill Road to the Valley Green Inn. You can park there."
Outlying and Urban Options
"Pennypack Park in the northeast section of the city features another extensive trail system for runners. Or you can just amble around in Fairmount Park, the largest urban park in the country, although running here can sometimes feel a little lonely. Best to run with a friend or spouse, or hook up with a local running club. Visitors staying downtown can head out on our 4.4-mile Historic Philadelphia run through Society Hill and Old City that passes near Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and streets lined with Colonial-era architecture. Stop frequently, take in the quiet city streets, ponder the history."
Races to Try
"The Broad Street Run [May] follows Broad Street through the heart of the city and regularly attracts 10,000 runners. It starts in North Philadelphia and finishes at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Biggest of all is the Philadelphia Distance Run in September, which is one of the largest half-marathons in the country. Two months later, there's the Philadelphia Marathon, where runners, usually about 5,000, get a huge reception when they reach the Manayunk section of the city in the later stages of the race. This midsize marathon has become popular, in part, because so many runners get shut out of two nearby monster marathons, New York and Marine Corps,which fill to capacity every year. At Philadelphia, there's always room."
Linking Up with Locals
"Philadelphia features a number of neighborhood running clubs. The Wissahickon Wanderers hold a group run in the Wissahickon woods on Saturday mornings as well as weekday track and tempo run workouts. The Wanderers, whose Web site contains a wealth of detailed route maps, also hosts a Wissahickon trail race series every Tuesday night, May through September. The Fairmount Running Club, Northeast Road Runners Club, and Frontrunners Philadelphia also sponsor weekly runs. Rittenhouse Sports Specialties, which is right downtown, has a wide range of shoes and gear, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and is an excellent hangout for runners. Same thing for Sports Works in Manayunk."
