Sun, Dec 6, 2026

The Loop Race

Philadelphia, PA

Opens Jul 31, 2026Annual since at least 2014

8.4 Miles

Entry is $35 now and rises to $45 after Oct 1, 2026, so registering before then saves $10.

About the Loop Race

The course follows the path along the Schuylkill River, passing the Art Museum, Boat House Row, Laurel Hill Cemetery, and a pair of historic bridges along the way. It runs on sidewalk the whole way, away from traffic, and stays nearly flat throughout. The surroundings feel like a tour of the park rather than a race grid.

Packet pickup is on site race morning only, so plan to arrive with enough time to find parking and get checked in before the start. Cash awards go to top finishers overall, plus age group awards and a bonus for anyone who breaks the course record.

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Finish-Time Stats

Going by the 2025 results, this is a decent-sized field, with a competitive front end and a big recreational middle.

8.4 Miles · 2025 results

372finishers

43:09winner

1:18:00median

2:11:12cutoff

Top 3: Ethan Hermann (43:09) · Vinay Ayyappan (44:37) · Isaac Jennings (45:18)

The Loop Race has been held every year since at least 2014. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.

Where Would You Finish?

Enter a finish time to see where it lands against the most recent 8.4 Miles results.

Median

See how your time stacks up nationally →

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.

Distances & Start Times

8.4 Miles12/6/2026 10:00$35

8.4 Miles12/6/2026 10:00$10

Going for a Time?

Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.

Plan Your Trip

Where to Stay

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Common Questions About the The Loop Race

Will I finish last at the Loop Race?

Almost certainly not. Half the 8.4 Miles field finished slower than 1:18:00, and the last recorded finisher came in around 2:11:12, so there is a long tail of runners behind the middle of the pack. Most fields are far slower than people expect.

Is the Loop Race a good first 8.4 Miles?

A field of 372 is big enough that you will have company at your pace without feeling lost in a crowd. There is no qualifying time, and the finish-time spread above shows how varied the field really is. If it is your first 8.4 Miles, that spread matters more than the winner's time.

How competitive is the Loop Race?

The 8.4 Miles winner ran 43:09 while the median finisher took 1:18:00. That spread points to a mixed field, with a competitive front and a big recreational middle.

Where can I train for the Loop Race?

Join a local run club. Fairmount Running Club, Philadelphia Runner Track Club, Wissahickon Wanderers and others in Philadelphia welcome runners of all paces, and a weekly group run is the most reliable way to hold a training block together.