The past few years have seen a huge influx in new run-for-fun organizations and events. As if running itself isn’t fun enough just dodging pedestrians, cyclists, strollers, cars, buses, trains, drains and construction, there are several other ways to get dirty, clean or pretty while running.
June 15 is Run or Dye in the area around Citizens Bank Park. Billed as “the most colorful 5k run,” organizers are promoting the event by saying that you haven’t lived until you’ve dyed. (And I thought PGN’s Larry Nichols had the worst puns.) It’s one of many runs that sold out early, but you can still go watch and take pics.
The Rad Run is the following day. Same concept, different location. This one is in the Memorial Hall area of Fairmount Park. In this race, you could show up dyed from the day before and confuse the hell out of everyone.
The original Color Run hits the area July 14. These guys started the whole thing and have also closed registration. How exactly you decide how many people can run through a park still confounds me, but if you’re insisting on running this one, they have some charity spots left. And the day after is the Down & Dirty Mud Run around Belmont Plateau.
July 20 is the Electric Run. This one is after dark, and they light up the arches and trees, and make the fountains and river glow. Runners wear fluorescents, blinking hats, you name it. You can still run in this one; electricrun.com/philadelphia/
Can’t do these? No worries, there are several more in August, September and October.
Take down
The Philadelphia Spartans host their annual summer tournament 1-4 p.m. June 15 in the basement of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. Previously the summer tourney was on Pride weekend, but the increasing variety of options that weekend had curbed some of the enthusiasm and ranks. The tournament usually garners wrestlers from New York City and D.C. to come and grapple with our local Spartans.
If you haven’t watched wrestling in a while, you may have forgotten how energetic and, well, exciting it can be. Admission to help cover costs of the tournament is only $5, but you can get a T-shirt or other items too. Since you can’t go and watch the practices, this is your chance to check these guys out.
Eight-wheeling
Gay bowlers and their friends are rolling over to Cherry Hill for another skating party 8:30-10:30 p.m. June 17 to raise money for next month’s Liberty Belle bowling tournament. Grab your in-line skates or rent them there for $3. Admission is only $10 for two hours of skating and spills.
Get the directions and a Google map ahead of time and bring cash or your credit card — this place doesn’t have an ATM; Cherry Hill Skating Center, 664 Deer Road. www.libertybelle.org. Short stops • Rugby 7s tournaments June 15 and 22 in Washington, D.C. For a list of women’s recreational and competitive tournaments, email [email protected]. • CBLSL BBB: Beef, Beer and Bingo is June 15 at Finnigan’s Wake, 537 N. Third St. • Falcons Soccer has pick-up games several times a week and summer league begins July 10; falcons-soccer.org. • Liberty Tennis has a fundraiser 2-5 p.m. June 23 at Tabu. For just $2 you get in for a tea dance, 50/50 drawing and raffle prizes. That’s all you need to know! Look for info on the tournament in July; www.philadelphialibertytennis.com.
Countdown to Gay Games 9: 420 days. Email your local game, tournament and fundraising info to [email protected].