September 13, 2025 (9:00am)
The Woodlands
4000 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Hosted by the Philly Running Alliance
Registration Opens Soon!
10th Annual 26 x 1 Mile Marathon Relay
350 spots left. Registration ends September 13, 2025 at 9:00am EDT
Welcome to the 26x1 Mile Marathon Relay!
The 26x1 relay is back in 2025 with a new date and a new steward...and the same old spirit of fun team competition.
Teams of 13* compete for the fastest collective maration time on a trail through The Woodlands in South Philadelphia.
This is a fun, self-timed event celebrating teamwork among Philadelphia running clubs. Please review the team logistics below and come out ready to compete and enjoy.
Team Size
Teams can be made up of 6-13 runners. If your team has fewer than 6 runners, we will combine teams.
When & Where
The 2025 race takes place on September 13, 2025. Gun time is at 9:00am; teams may setup beginning at 8:00am.
The race takes place at the Woodlands, on a one-mile course with dirt path and some paved road sections.
Enter through the big gate across from the trolley portal. Follow the signs when you come in. The race itself will take place at the Woodland's Stables and runners will do the trail loop.
Teams are welcome to bring tents and snacks while they support their runners. No grills or other on-site cooking.
Team Logistics
The Baton
Each team must devise their own baton. It an be anything - a snap bracelet, a banana, a stick, a pompom, whatever.
The Champion
Each team will select a runner - different than their last mile runner - to run the final 0.2 miles to complete the official marathon for the team. Selection for this position is considered a great honor.
The Torch
Each team's champion will complete their 0.2 mile leg with a torch of their making. It probably should not be on fire, but I'll look the other way.
About the Woodlands
The Woodlands’ 54-acre undulating landscape is at once a one-of-a-kind 18th-century English pleasure garden, 19th-century rural cemetery, and a modern green oasis for its neighbors in bustling University City and West Philadelphia. The Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich resources. Actively used today, the cemetery, mansion, landscape, and programs are an educational resource for local school children, community residents, university students, as well as for a small, highly motivated cadre of scholars seeking further understanding of American architectural and botanical history, urban development, and the origin and growth of West Philadelphia.
The Philly Running Alliance is contributing significant portion of race registration funds to support the Woodlands.
About the Philly Running Alliance
Founded in May of 2025, we trace our roots to 2015 with the creation of Philly Mayor’s Cup, an annual race held at Belmont Plateau designed to bring neighborhood run clubs together for friendly competition & charitable action.
Inspired by the response, and intending to find a way to give the proceeds back to the running community, we began mapping out Philly Running Alliance after watching cyclists and pedestrians groups secure meaningful improvements for their consitutents and wondering where the runners were.
As part of our formation, we became the parent organization to Philly Mayor’s Cup, welcomed the 26×1 Relay, and hosted a 5k Run and 2k Walk at the Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition’s Hustle n’ Ride event in 2025.
We are 100% volunteer-run and in the process of securing formal status as a non-profit. Membership in Philly Running Alliance is free. Benefits include a subscription to our newsletter, invitations to community events, and opportunities to shape our direction as we work to establish Philadelphia as a premier running destination, where all residents, regardless of age, background, or ability, can enjoy safe access to running.
Questions? Want to know more? Reach out!
Scenes from 26x1...
