Seemed to have skimped a little this year. Way less water stations and bathroom stations. The event…read morestarted on time this year which is great!

Had an overwhelmingly positive experience with this run. First of all--in terms of a tour of…read morePhilly, it's hard to beat a ten mile run down the main artery of the city surrounded by 40,000 other Philadelphians. Cruising by Temple University (complete with marching band and cheerleaders), the Philadelphia Orchestra (complete with tuba players and timpani) and city hall (with hundreds of locals cheering you on) is an absolutely delightful way to experience the city. I had so much fun and can't wait to do it again next year! The course itself is a dream--slightly downhill with almost no turns the entire route. Many personal bests to be achieved here! The crowd support is also amazing. I was shocked at how many people are out there supporting. This year was an absolute downpour yet there were still thousands of friendly supporters almost the entire route. Logistically the race went smoothly. It's very easy to pop on the septa and get to the starting line. Be prepared for a crowded ride, but it's a good natured crowdedness nonetheless. Got on the subway an hour and a half before start time and arrived about an hour early. Didn't experience lines for bathrooms or gear check. Really high energy before the start. I picked a corral that was on the slower side and was passing a ton of people throughout the entire race. I thought this was kind of cool because I felt speedy but for those who want a less crowded experience don't be afraid to estimate your time as a little on the faster side. One negative was the gear check pickup. Definitely a logistical struggle here, I waited about half an hour for my bag but I heard of people waiting over an hour. Consider leaving the gear at home unless really needed. I LOVED how close the end was to the septa station--was back home super fast (thank goodness, because as I mentioned, total downpour)!

I loved this run so much! This year was the first year that the Upper Dublin Parks and Rec had…read morethis 4 miler, and they had about 80 runners. I came in close to last (but not last!) because my butt is so slow! But I am just happy to participate. It begins and ends at Temple Ambler. It brought back memories when I went there 10 years ago, and weighed about 75 heavier. I remember I would get out of breath WALKING up the "hill" towards campus. This "hill" (I wouldn't even call it that now) was the last leg of the run. I sprinted up to the finish! It was a proud moment for myself :-) Running through the nearby parks gives a different kind of scenery than what I usually look at. And the finisher medals are no joke! I've run as far as a half marathon, and this medal might be as big, or bigger than the medal I got for my last 13.1. I hope they do this run again next year. I'd come back and bring some friends.

I am no longer in support of this run. They are run by irresponsible people. As an avid runner, I…read moredo look into how runs are managed because it is a reflection of what the race director(s) stand for. However, I am very disappointed in how these people are handling the COVID situation. They are refusing refunds and offering only two options: deferral or run virtually. 1. Why would I pay full price to essentially go on a "training" run? Stop and go traffic, no awesome people cheering and being fun and supportive, etc. 2. You cannot possibly expect people to know their schedule this far in advance? 3. You cannot expect people to still feel secure and safe in March 2021 I sent an email requesting refund since I have no idea what's going on March 2021 or 2022. They sent me some generic response (screen shot posted) with a link to runner's world for me to look at for reasons why most races have no refund policy. This is hilarious (and lazy of them) because that policy only makes sense when I am the one cancelling for the date I actually signed up for. I know this because I bailed on two races due to unexpected hospitalizations and never asked for refund... So I respond to them outlining how Pittsburgh Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon offered refunds so it is indeed a viable option and to please reconsider. No response. There is nothing uneeasonable with giving people option of refund under such circumstances; when coast is clear for 2021, people will just re-register. It's not like this is a lottery run. "We are doing our best to provide you with as many options as possible.." That is comical because they only provide two.... technically three: defer; virtual, or let LR/CGI keep your money. Other races have offers: defer, virtual, refund, donation. That's four whopping choices without being dishonest! Double the options! Try harder, CGI because you clearly aren't trying hard enough. As for the other races that are managed more honestly/responsibly, I am absolutely re-registering. This gets better. On their facebook webpage they are deleting comments that mention their refund refusal. Any comments that are remotely close to constructive criticism they remove. Examples: "Is there an option for refund?" "Why is there not a refund option?" "Can you offer more swag for virtual run vs just medal/shirt?" ^All deleted, instead of addressing them professionally like a "business." And of course they deleted rants like mine. And they were all rated G rants... including mine. This was nail on the coffin for me. I get this is "business," but even business need to address questions/concerns/complaints. I have never gone to a restaurant and asked staff, "Does this have cilantro?" and they just give me a blank stare and walked away. This is run by some shady people. So I have a wild guess: Race Directors irresponsibly managed race funds and squandered away all their money they made from registration. Now they have nothing. It has nothing to do with "other major races have no refund policy." It's because CGI/Love Run literally cannot afford to.. and instead of addressing this, they delete any comment that doesn't praise them. Legitimate races have reserves for emergencies. I also have never encountered a business where I say something like, "I ordered this in black, not grey" and they go, "Sorry! We already spent what you gave us!" But then again, in LR's case, they would just hide and not respond. Regardless of how much one paid for the run, or if they can "afford" to bite the cost or not, it all about principle. They claim to care about well-being and safety, but they fact they are forcing one to run during these times negates their claim. They could have just made up something like, "We are a smaller organization and dont have funds / resources that larger runs have" and I would have kept my mouth shut. I'm definitely not supporting this run ever again, and neither is my fiance or my other running buddies.

Ever since running my first 5K back in 2014(the now defunct chickie's and pete's boardwalk run)…read more I've always wanted to reach that half-marathon status. I wanted to see what it took to push through that many miles and come out victorious. Am I up to it ? Am I a strong enough runner ? Don't you have to be elite to do that sort of thing ?? Self doubt and questioning of my ability as a runner crept in & pretty much kept me focused mainly on 5k's, 10k's and an ocassional 10miler(looking @ you broad street) The day my 2nd child was born I noticed an email come through. "love run half marathon register now !" I'm sitting up 3am in the hospital room with my wife ... my newborn son was sleeping in her arms. hmmmm Love Run ... I have a new Love in my life ... I always wanted to do a 1/2. The gears starting turning. I'll Run the love Run for a new love in my life. I need a new Goal. (does it sound lame ?) well, it made sense to me at the time so I went ahead and registered. Looking back, it sounds damn near insane as well as a bit ocd ... I mean god knows how little sleep I was about to have or the time I'll have to train with a newborn at home. wtf was I thinking ?? Well, in the end it all seemed to work out. I even went as far as starting a vlog on youtube to record the process and to keep me motivated. The audible app also became my go-to for daily motivation ...with such reads as "My year of running dangerously" & "Finding Ultra" haven't read them ? check them out. This review is getting long winded so I'll cut to the chase. Race expo was a breeze, I got in and out within 10-15 minutes (The reading market was calling me) Race day arrived and with that history was made. The positive atmosphere, sights and sounds ... The entire experience was unforgettable. Approaching and then crossing the finish line while hearing my name called out over the PA will stay with me forever.... For those few seconds, I was in the moment. It's difficult to put words to it honestly. It just felt so right. I'm not sure if I'll ever get the chance to run a half again but if I do, I'd sign back up for the love run in a heartbeat. I truly loved the entire process. btw the coffee mug is badass. . . the medal too.

I have participated in this event for seven years. Each year, it gets bigger and bigger and more…read morefunds are raised for the National Brain Tumor Society. This is not your usual out-and-back 5K course along MLK Drive. It heads out Kelly Drive, up Sedgley and then crosses the river via the Girard Street bridge. We hang a right on Lansdowne Ave and then down Sweet Briar to MLK Drive. Course map: http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/maps/showMap.asp?courseID=PA10043WB One thing to keep in mind: online registration ends several days in advance. If you would like to be a timed runner, you must register in advance. The race registration fee is one of the more affordable ones in the city--$25. Also, this event is incredibly family friendly and attracts more walkers than runners. If you are a runner, please line up at the front of the start line. Most importantly, this race is a fundraiser to take action in the fight against brain tumors.

Race for Hope Philadelphia is now located at the Naval…read moreYard. Easy parking, easier walk, no hills! Great location!!!!!!!

A Philly classic already in its 6th year, I finally managed to run it this year. Being in August,…read moreit is typically a hot and humid race. Luckily, it was like a cool spring day this year. So what is it? A 10k thru "your streets". Yup, not the typical art museum/Kelly drive route! This race touches Passayunk, South, Washington, and even Chestnut (for a block or two). It is run by Philadelphia Runner, a local small business known for its focus on other small businesses. You'll get a locally made keepsake, an awesome shirt, and a local brew or two at the end. Regardless of the weather, the party at the end will keep you entertained. It's limited to about 4,000 runners so it will sell out every year. Having finally ran one, with a PR to boot, I'll be experiencing major FOMO should I not run it next year!

As I was running down the streets of South Philly and the surrounding area a gentleman held up a…read moresign for encouragement, "If I can change my six month old's diaper you can run a 10k". Ahh yes Philadelphia! There was also a side station where someone set up dixie cups with shots of alcohol and soda for encouragement by there rowhome. The sense of community this race created and at over 4,500 enthusiastic runners it was the evanescent of perfect for the required runners pace of not more then 15 mins per mile. The after party has extremely long lines for free beer so I passed but ran in to my fellow friends from crossfit manayunk what a small world! I will definitely be back for next years race and encourage others to take up running for a healthy goal to acheive...remember said the wise man from philly in his lawn chair if he can change a dirty diaper well you better be able to limp across that finish line!

Last year was so much fun, that I decided to invite a friend this year! I loved the music and…read moredancing stations during the run! The DJs put on an energizing show and I didn't want the night to end! This is not for serious runners...people were even drinking while they ran! It's more like a party for people who want something active to do with their friends, maybe raise some money, but definitely dance!

Don't waste your time and money! I purchased tickets for a…read morespecific date that I knew my friends and I will be visiting Philly. The event got canceled and new date wasn't announced for 6 months, I contacted their customer service explaining that my friends and I were visiting Philly on those dates only and since the original event was cancelled, we won't be able to attend on a new date. They told me they won't be issuing a refund, after I informed them that I'll have to go through cc dispute, they said to suck it up and they still won't issue a refund. Thankfully credit card took care of it and we got our money back. Would I ever recommend NNR, hell no! Purchase at your own risk, decent service not guaranteed!

An awesome run to kick the season in gear! Held annually at the end of April, this 4-mile run is…read morealways sold out. Two short miles out from the art museum and two more back might seem like a chore, however, the party waiting for you at the end is worth it. When they say party, they mean a full on party. Great food and beer (for those 21+) accompanied by a sold band and general good time theme. So what do I love about this run... 1) The tech t-shirt 2) The best party I've ever been to following a run 3) Knowing that my registration and proceeds go to support the fight against ALS Hope to see you out at next year's run, 'cause I know I'll be there again!

This is a simply great party run and in incredible way to start the week-end in Philly. The course…read moreis typically along Boathouse Row, but was switched up to Fairmount Park this year and isa quick flat 5k with a water stop. The run however is completely secondary to the amazing party that happens afterward. All the beer, pizza, pretzels and snacks you can handle with a live band and a crowd with great energy. It's Friday night so people party hard and whats better than a bunch of fit girls getting drunk ??? Free T shirt, prizes and all of the proceeds go to charity so I actually feel like I'm doing some good while I'm drinking. GREAT volunteers and a well run race, although parking SUCKS. I'm back every year and I'll keep showing up as long as the beer keeps flowing.

Run the 8.4 mile loop around the river as part of this Bryn Mawr Running race. Admission is cheap…read morewhile support is light. Entry gets you a bib with time tracking and new in 2018 a finisher medal. When I say support on the course is light, I mean two small water stops. While you get chip timed, some of the prizes are based on gun time. If like me, you've never run a race with such an odd distance, you get an automatic PR in your first year! It was fun in 2018, even with the rain. Had I paid more I might have hoped for more, like mileage signs. However, I was happy with what was provided and the free drink at bishops collar after was a nice touch. I'll probably be repeating next year...