by Michelle Singer

If you love running and rock ‘n’ roll, then next weekend Philadelphia is the place to be for two days of running mixed with live bands performing at every mile increment of the courses. Spectators are more than welcome to come to all these mini concerts, dance and cheer on the runners. At the finish line there’s even an after party featuring headlining band Rusted Root!

Saturday’s 5k run that starts at 8:00am Franklin Parkway and ends at Eakins Oval in Fairmount Park. Then Sunday is the real deal with a half marathon at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Tickets are $50 for Saturday (or $60 if you don’t buy in advance). Friday and Saturday also feature a Health and Fitness Expo at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Hall E. Friday, it runs from 12:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm. For these two days more than 70 vendors will offer sports apparel, health & nutritional information, the latest in running gear, and free samples.

While picking up new gear at the expo you can get rid of your old sneakers and clothes by donating them to Clothes Pin (clothes for people in need). The nonprofit organization travels the country to different running events and donates clothing they collect and sort to shelters local to each event. Since 2007, they have collected & donated over 175,000 articles including hats, gloves, hoodies, sweatpants and shirts, along with thousands of pairs of sneakers. So instead of throwing out your old sneakers bring them to the expo and let this wonderful organization put them to good use.

The weekend will not only include the expo, live music, and other goodies but if you are participating in the race your bib will also give you access to special deals throughout the city. Show your bib at any of the participating restaurants, attractions and venues and get free stuff and exclusive discounts. For example, Time Bar is offering $3 select seasonal draft beers, $5 house wines, 15% off all food and the ability to skip the line with cover charge after 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. You can check Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon’s website for a complete list of participating venues.

Finally, the finale of it all takes place at the finish line on Sunday! Celebrate your success with friends and family at the finish line with more music, drinks and Rusted Root! Online registration for the half marathon ends today at noon! You have one more week to catch up on training so get to it and see you next weekend!

by Michelle Singer

If you love running and rock ‘n’ roll, then next weekend Philadelphia is the place to be for two days of running mixed with live bands performing at every mile increment of the courses. Spectators are more than welcome to come to all these mini concerts, dance and cheer on the runners. At the finish line there’s even an after party featuring headlining band Rusted Root!

Saturday’s 5k run that starts at 8:00am Franklin Parkway and ends at Eakins Oval in Fairmount Park. Then Sunday is the real deal with a half marathon at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Tickets are $50 for Saturday (or $60 if you don’t buy in advance). Friday and Saturday also feature a Health and Fitness Expo at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Hall E. Friday, it runs from 12:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm. For these two days more than 70 vendors will offer sports apparel, health & nutritional information, the latest in running gear, and free samples.

While picking up new gear at the expo you can get rid of your old sneakers and clothes by donating them to Clothes Pin (clothes for people in need). The nonprofit organization travels the country to different running events and donates clothing they collect and sort to shelters local to each event. Since 2007, they have collected & donated over 175,000 articles including hats, gloves, hoodies, sweatpants and shirts, along with thousands of pairs of sneakers. So instead of throwing out your old sneakers bring them to the expo and let this wonderful organization put them to good use.

The weekend will not only include the expo, live music, and other goodies but if you are participating in the race your bib will also give you access to special deals throughout the city. Show your bib at any of the participating restaurants, attractions and venues and get free stuff and exclusive discounts. For example, Time Bar is offering $3 select seasonal draft beers, $5 house wines, 15% off all food and the ability to skip the line with cover charge after 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. You can check Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon’s website for a complete list of participating venues.

Finally, the finale of it all takes place at the finish line on Sunday! Celebrate your success with friends and family at the finish line with more music, drinks and Rusted Root! Online registration for the half marathon ends today at noon! You have one more week to catch up on training so get to it and see you next weekend!