2026 14th Annual Penn Alexander School Run for Art & Science 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

The 5K Course begins on Locust Street near the PAS front entrance.  Our amazing course will take you through the beautiful Penn campus on Locust Walk to Penn Park, returning to Penn Alexander School's Locust Street finish line.  For the 5K, we are asking that runners do not bring pets or strollers on the 5K course.  Please plan to be off the course by 9:20 AM to ensure a safe start to the 1-Mile Fun Run.

The 1-Mile Fun Run will go to the compass at 37th and Locust and back. The start and finish line will be on Locust Street, by the PAS playground.

Strollers for the 1-Mile Fun Run are welcome.  Pets are not permitted on the 1-mile Fun Run course.

Packet pick-up will occur in the PAS cafeteria. More information to come closer to race day.

Thursday, May 28th :  8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m

Friday, May 29th:       8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m  

Race packets will also be available at the Day of Registration table across from the PAS front door in the courtyard starting at 7:30 a.m.  We are encouraging families to pick-up packets during the times noted above to avoid long wait times on the day of the race.

8:30am: 5K Run starts & ends on Locust Street at Saint Marks Square. Check out the COURSE MAP.  This is a timed race. It is important that only race runners cross over the timing strip.  The course will traverse Penn campus.

Any runners on the course who will not make it back to the finish line by 9:15am will be instructed to complete the course on the sidewalk.

9:30am: 1 Mile Fun Run starts & ends on Locust Street at Saint Marks Square.  The course is an out/back on Penn’s campus.

AFTER PARTY & RACE RESULTS: Enjoy hanging around the playground and the dance party, while we tally the results and announce our medal winners!   Check the QR codes around the campus for your race results.

Medical & Safety: Runners are responsible for bringing their own inhaler, Epi-pen or other required items.  

There will be a first aid station near the school’s main entrance. For emergencies on the course, call 911. Penn Police will be monitoring the course.

This event is happening rain, shine & heat. There is no rain date. Race directors will monitor for severe weather and reserve the right to cancel the race for extreme weather.

Volunteer course cheerleaders will be stationed along the course to make sure runners are going in the proper direction. Be sure to check out their inspirational signage!

Prizes will be awarded to 5K runners at the conclusion of the 1-mile Fun Run to the following participants:

Overall Male and Female Winner

Ages 9 and under:  1st place male and female

Ages 10 - 12:  1st Place male and female

Ages 13 & 14:  1st Place male and female

Ages 15 - 19:  1st Place male and female

Ages 20 - 29:  1st Place male and female

Ages 30 - 39:  1st Place male and female

Ages 40 - 49:  First Place male and female

Ages 50 - 59:  First Place male and female

Ages 60 & over:  First Place male and female  

At the conclusion of the 1-Mile Fun Run, please proceed to the DJ booth on the kindergarten playground for prize announcements!     

Please Note:  For the 1-mile Fun Run, we hand out medals to all participants under 18 as they cross the finish line.                          

If you or your child have been diagnosed with a medical condition, like asthma, please use the link below to make the race staff aware.  All persons diagnosed with asthma MUST CARRY THEIR INHALER on their person at all times during the race.

To address any questions, please contact Nurse Natanya at ngornstein@philasd.org

Click here to access the 2026 Medical Form.

The Home and School Association of Penn Alexander has created an amazing information landing page for race day.  Click here to sign up as a volunteer for the race or to find sponsorship information!  All volunteers receive a Heliconia (bright pink) race shirt.