First Run Germantown 5K this Saturday

Philadelphia runners can get pumped for the first annual Run Germantown 5K race and 3K fun run along Germantown Avenue on Sept. 12. Hosted by local nonprofits Urban Resources Development Corporation and The One Less Foundation, the run is intended to inspire more foot traffic to businesses along Germantown Avenue.

“There’s a lot going on in Germantown, but most people don’t know about it,” Executive Director of Urban Resources Development Corporation Joe Waldo said. “The idea that we would do some sort of running event, showcasing [historical landmarks], made sense.”

The Germantown Special Services District has been planning the 5K race for more than five months after choosing a race instead of a silent auction to raise funds. The district, which specializes in working with and promoting businesses in Germantown, approached the run with the mentality that it might not raise money, but there is the opportunity to showcase different businesses and nonprofits in the area for the chance to increase traffic along “The Avenue.”

“We were hoping to get anywhere from 50 to 100 [runners],” Executive Director of The One Less Foundation Ingrid Shepard said. “It’s nervous excitement right now.”

One of the main concerns surrounding the race is the cobblestone along Germantown Avenue that could prove difficult for a large group of runners, Waldo explained. Being the first run, there is some trial and error into how people will respond to the environment.

Additionally, Shepard mentioned, it’s important to defy negative stereotypes around Germantown. Shepard mentioned efforts like cleaning up litter to slowly diminish the idea that the neighborhood was littered and dirty.

The 5K race and the 3K fun run begin at 8 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. respectively on Sept. 12 at Germantown and Aramat. Runners can register online: $35 for the 5K and $15 for the fun run. The proceeds will be split between the One Less Foundation and the Urban Resources Development Corporation. Registrants get a T-shirt and tote bag for their participation.