The Abington YMCA Gobble Wobble 5K is an annual event held on Thanksgiving day. The proceeds of the race go towards the Willow Grove YMCA Annual Campaign, insuring that no one is turned away from valuable YMCA services due to inability to pay.. You do not have to be a member to participate. Just sign up and have fun.

This is a family friendly event, so feel free to bring everyone along. Unlike many other fun runs, there is even Babysitting being offered. ("Children must be out of diapers and potty-trained.")

Registration:
The Abington YMCA has registration available online, which begins as early as September. Participants even have the option to register up until the morning of the race in person. Yes, credit cards and cash were accepted for in-person registration on the morning of the event. Morning registration is extremely well organized.

Packet Pick-up:
Participants are able to pick-up their race day packets (bib, shirts, etc) a couple of days prior to the race at the Abington YMCA. Notifications will be emailed to you with corresponding times. I found that going after work and picking up my packet was one of easiest experiences.

Race:
This is a fun run that offers two distances, 2 mile walk and 5K run. I participated in the 5K run.The start of the race is staggered based off corral pace times. The road course takes participants through beautiful surrounding residential area near the Abington YMCA. There are some rolling hills in the first two miles of this course, however are manageable for all types of participants. The 2 mile walk is a predominantly flat course. Along the course you will see plenty of supporters along the route keeping the energy high. The finish for both distances is Olympic style on the alluring stadium track.

What makes this event so special is how many people from the local community come out to participate in this event every year. This event is a delight, and I am already looking forward to next year.

For more information please reference the following:
GW5K.com
https://philaymca.org/locations/abington/abington-ymca-gobble-wobble-5k/
TIP:
Parking- There are ample parking options near the Start/Finish of the race. In addition there are shuttle options if you park Abington Junior High.

I have heard about the Rock N Roll race series since I got into running. I have heard from several people if your are going to run a half marathon distance and want to make the best of your experience, their's are one of the funniest. I said, lets put this to the test and see if the hype is indeed real.

This year I actually had the opportunity to signup for either the Virginia Beach or Philadelphia races only because that is actually how my schedule became available. I opted to participate in Philadelphia because not only is it in my backyard, but I heard Philly represents.

Expo:
Rock N Roll has a Fitness expo prior to the race. On the main expo day being the day before the race several special guests were in attendance. There was a shakeout run with Abdi Abdirahman, Cam Levins and Noah Droddy. And aslo at the expo a Q & A and photos with Des Linden and Jordan Hasay. This is actually the first race that I did not have an option to have my bib sent to me. You will need to attend the expo in order to pick-up your bib. A few friends and myself picked up our bibs that Friday afternoon. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in Center City Philadelphia and is very easy to get to driving or taking public transportation. There are several parking garages near by if you choose to drive. Check-in and pickup of our race material, bibs, and shirts was well organized and very efficient. The volunteers are helpful and friendly. The expo was a good experience. Several vendors and plenty of variety. I spent most of my time getting familiar more with Rock N Roll race experience. However my personal favorite was Brooks section. Not only did they have the new shoe setups but a running form setup. They fit you with sensors and find the best shoes that go with your running style and form. I watched a few people do this and got myself all excited to try. However, I was wearing jeans and this would not have been the best experience for me.

Race:
If you are worried about hills, I can personally tell you that this is a fairly flat course. The steepest grade is very manageable. The race course begins at Eikins Oval along the Ben Franklin parkway, just in front of the famous Philadelphia Art Museum. You will then run north through Logan Square and will follow the race around Center City. You will see landmarks such as the City Hall, The Federal Bank, China Town, Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell and Constitution Center, before returning back to Logan Square. After Logan Square you will back south on the Ben Franklin Parkway onto the scenic Kelly Drive and Boathouse Row. Just a note, other races I have participated in, you see the back side of the boathouses and the Schuykill River. In this race you actually get to see the front and your can really appreciate them from the other side. The run on Kelly Drive concludes around 8.6 miles into the race where you take Fall Bridge over the Schuykill River and onto the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Drive for the final leg of the race. Both Kelly and MLK are tree line areas that have plenty of cyclists and runners all year around. There is plenty advantage points to see the city along this route. The race ends in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps.

Energy and Music:
Now let's talk about the real reason on why you would choose this race.... ENERGY & MUSIC!!! Rock N Roll Marathon series did live up to my expectations when it came to Philadelphia. There were plenty fo spectators along the course routing all the runners on. Especially toward the latter sections of the race there were still spectators and volunteers cheering you along. And the music..... there were live bands playing along the entire route. There were approximately 10 total bands playing on the course. The variety of music was great, which helped keep the energy high for participants of ALL levels. I am a little biased because I liked the Philadelphia Eagles Drum Line about 5k into the race. They were near the Liberty Bell and Constitution Center which I thought was just fitting. Really great job on the band and music selection to the race directors.

Aide and Water Stations:
There are water stations at approximately every 1.5 miles in the race. And there are equally about the same amount of Aide stations near each water station. I found this really encouraging that the race does take the well being of it's participants very seriously. This years race was a little humid then usual (95% but no rain) for the time of year so seeing the additional aide stations is reassuring.

Overall the Rock n Roll Half Philadelphia is a great experience. I would say I would do this race again. The race also other two additional distances if you wanna go for the "Remix" challenge which are 5k and 7.6k (inaugural). I look forward to participating again in Rock N Roll in the very near future.

To find out more about Rock and Roll Marathon Series, races, and various challenges please go here:
https://www.runrocknroll.com/

TIP:
Have a running partner for this race. So much to enjoy and plenty of photo opportunities on this course.
If you have a hydration pack you can use it. This year, it was humid on race day. Staying hydrated was extra important.
Be aware of the pot holes on Kelly Drive. Yes, its almost fall but there were a few pot holes towards the end of the race.
Medical tents available about every 1.5 - 2 miles on the course. I saw plenty of people making use of the aide stations. If you think you need help, just use it. Your body will thank you for it.
Look for the discounts. Up to two weeks after RnR is done in a city, the following year's sign-up is available. Sure you are committed for a year in advance, but you can save some serious coin.

The Dairy Air is an annual event held at the Market at DelVal in Doylestown. This years race was the third event. The Dairy Air has two distances for participants 5K and 10K, in addition the "Hay You" half miler for the kids. This is an event definitely meant for the whole family.

Course
All 3 distances start on Farm View Road near the Market. For the "Hay You" Half Miler its a straight quarter mile up the road (up hill mind you) and back. This is not a huge hill, but just enough for the young participants.

5k & 10k continue down Farm View Road pass the horse fields towards to cow barn, lollipop around the flag pole, back down Farm View Road until you get to Orchard Lane. Participants make a right onto Orchard Lane and follow this road until you are back on the lower part of Farm View. This stretch leads our racers to turn right onto Lowe State Road, and and final right onto 202. For our 5k racers once you get round this area you will turn back and head to the finish line.

10k Racers you still have about another 1 mile to the little over halfway point (3.78 miles in I think I was told). You will run down the beautiful run/bike path along route 202 and run into the wooded park path approximately 1/3 mile back until you get to the turn around point. Now remember, cross over the timing pad or you will be disqualified. Then you had back from what you came. Once you get back to the Lower State Road, participants will run across through the apple orchard to the finish line.

Now, I am not going to lie, this course has its share of hills. But they are manageable. The course is challenging enough and the scenery is really pretty. I was glad to be able to take it all in while running. Almost feels like time slow down (even down hill).

Swag
I will admit Scoogie did a really good job on the medal this year. The shirts are comfortable and fit great. Even the 2x fits like it should, which does not always happen. By the way kids get a finisher medal too for doing the half miler. Thats really awesome, I dont see that at events.

Awards
There are awards for all distances and age groups. The award ceremony is fun and it's great to see everyone supporting each other when they are just out there having fun.

Top Tips:
The course is hilly, so if they are not your strong suit, take it easy going up. Your legs will thank you by the end of the race. Bring the kids along. There are lawn games, peddle go-kart track, bounce houses, wagon rides, horses, and sheep to keep the kids distracted while you run. I think this is a good variety for a local race thats not mobbed with thousands of people. Note: Scoogie Events has about 16 total races a year. Check out one of there other events near you. https://www.scoogieevents.com/

The 40th Annual Broad Street Run is a 10.2 mile race through Philadelphia. The race is known for its high energy, and being the largest and fastest 10 mile race in the country. This years race had about 40,000 participants. I enjoyed the event so much last year, I just had to do this again. It really is a fun race. This event is well organized and for the size you can see why year over year it is so popular.

Note:
Approximately 25,000 race spots are up for lotto every year. So sign-up early and cross your fingers you get in.

Transportation/Parking:
This race does an excellent job when it comes to parking and transportation. You can either park at FDR Park or the sports complex's on the day of the race. All racers are encouraged to use public transportation, SEPTA, the day of race as racers ride for free to the course. This year, I parked at the sport complex and road the subway to the starting village. The subway is packed like you are going to an Eagles game on Sunday, so get cozy. When you arrive at the final stop, you walk up the stair well and see big ballon say "Broad Street Run". If this doesn't start to get your heart going then the race start will.
Additional details are sent about parking in the weeks prior to race via email.

The Course:
The race if famously known as one of the fastest, flattest courses. The reason why is its so fast is because Broad Street runs from North to South, down the middle of the city and is gradually down hill. Starting at the highest elevation at approximately 161 ft down to 6 ft at the finish. You will notice a slight hill area around 1.5 mile to 2 miles, going from 99ft to 130 ft elevation, but it is easily manageable.
The race starts at near the intersection of Broad and Fisher Street, and ends at the Philadelphia Naval yard. Along the course at about every half mile or so there are plenty of cheering sections which include music (dj/bands), signs and cheers, high-fives a plenty, Temple University Band, and my personal favorite cow bells. (More cow bells!) Participants run through North Philadelphia neighborhoods, past Shriners Children's and Temple Hospitals, the campus of Temple University, Center City which includes running around the famous City Hall, the Avenue of the Arts and Kimmel Center, South Philadelphia neighborhoods, and the Sports complex's (Citizen Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, And Wells Fargo Center). Sorry, you will not be running by the Philadelphia Art Museum or Zoo, those are on the other side of town. Really go visit art museum and zoo while you are in town, the are excellent.
There is so much energy from the crowd, volunteers, and all to keep you going the whole way. This is defiantly a race for various skill levels to participate in. You will see a lot of the city during this race. Plus fellow racers are more than welcoming and encouraging each other all the way through.

Festival:
In the finisher area there are food tents for the participants serving normal after race refreshments. There are plenty of areas setup to take finisher photos, also various other booths. In addition there is an official after party that is family friendly across the street at FDR Park. There are games, food, and more booths that are family friendly. This year, it rain the entire race, so the finisher area was spares when I finished, however, last year this place was jumping with activity.

Tip:
1) Be sure to plan your parking ahead of time. This years event fell on a double sports day (Phillies & Sixers both played in the early afternoon.) So leaving the stadium area was congested more so than usual, with people coming and leaving at the same time for sporting events. It may be best to plan to take public transportation after the race to help cut down on congestion.
2) Get water at every station to avoid dehydration and cramping. This is because the early May weather can be unpredictable and a cool morning can quickly turn into a warm one especially during this distance and make it easy to not think you need water. There are Water/Gatorade stations along the course beginning at mile 2. These stations are marked at almost every mile marker.
3) Use the facilities before you get into your corral. There are plenty of port-a-potties in the village. In addition, on the warm up track at the school, there are lots around the inner loop. Finally across from the starting corrals there are plenty of port-a-potties. Do not be like me the first year and think you can hold it and try stopping at the port-a-potties along the course and needing to run 5 miles before you find a short line.
4) Most important, when you see the sign for the Navy Yard, you are NOT done. You have 1/4 mile left in the race. Dig in and keep going. This is the best part of the course being down hill because it may be the longest and fastest 1/4 mile you will ever do on foot.