The Loop Race

The Loop Race

The Oldest Race in Philadelphia. Started in 1971 by Dave Brier of the Jewish Y, this race has been a local favorite “cult” race for 52 years! The course is run on the sidewalk and is self contained the whole way and free of any traffic. The course passes many historic sites including the Rocky Statue and the Art Museum steps he made famous, the East Falls Bridge, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Strawberry Mansion Bridge, and Boat House Row. The course is almost entirely flat. (Please note that due to 2024 Bridge Construction, the Loop race will not pass the Art Museum. The course will be and out and back run.) Proceeds of the event will benefit the development and maintenance of Fairmount Park, specifically the Belmont Plateau Cross Country courses. Philadelphia Athletic Charities is committed to providing for the upkeep of the Belmont Plateau which is used by thousands of cross country runners. Authentic finisher medal to runners who complete the course. New design each year! NEW: Free Pictures Tagged to your Results

The 2024 Loop Race will again be a Hybrid Event! We will also offer a virtual option for those who have moved out of the area and want to run the 8.4 mile distance virtually or use the Racejoy App on race day to allow friends and family send you virtual cheers mid race.

This 8.4 mile fall classic follows Philadelphia's most beautiful recreational path around the Schuylkill River. Started in 1972 by Dave Brier of the Jewish Y, this race has been a local favorite “cult” race for 52 years. The course is run on the sidewalk and is self contained the whole way and free of any traffic. Due to bridge construction as you enter MLK Drive, the course can not be a true Loop in 2023. We will run an out and back course that will still be the traditional 8.4 miles. The course will still pass many historic sites including the East Falls Bridge, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Strawberry Mansion Bridge, and Boat House Row. The course is almost entirely flat. Proceeds of the event will benefit the development and maintenance of Fairmount Park, specifically the Belmont Plateau Cross Country courses. Philadelphia Athletic Charities is committed to providing for the upkeep of the Belmont Plateau which is used by thousands of cross country runners.

Awards (not applicable to the Virtual event)
Cash awards will go to the top 3 overall male and female and nonbinary winners finishers along with bonuses for breaking the course record. Age group awards will be awarded in ten year increments, starting at 19 and under and peaking at 70+. Overall male and female masters will also be awarded. $250 bonuses will be awarded to anyone who breaks the course record (40:08 male / 47:02 female).

The virtual event:
For the virtual event, Bryn Mawr Racing/Running Co has been able to recreate the Loop Race experience with our advanced virtual race features. You can run the Loop Race distance ANYWHERE between 11/5/24 to 12/8/24 and get tracked with the Racejoy App. The Racejoy app is provided with your registration fee. The app will allow you be tracked during your 'race' along with virtual cheers, mile marks, music and directions. Once finished, your results will automatically be submitted onto our results pages. Don't want to run with your phone? You can always run the course and submit your times through your runsignup account or by email or text. We will ship the race swag to anywhere in the country!