West Philly Runners: WPR Sportscast for January 8

Pretty cold out there, eh? We've decided to embrace the suck, said "screw it," and planned a run for tonight in spite of - and because of - the cold. You just have to figure that after this run, the rest of the winter is going to feel relatively warm and comfortable. The Polar Bear Run is going to start out of Philadelphia Runner's Center City store at 6pm and do a quick loop out to the Schuylkill River Trail (figured we'd go find the strongest winds) and then up to the museum and back. I promise that we'll drink whiskey afterwards and that you'll come away from this run feeling like this guy. And as Kyle correctly pointed out, there's no bad weather, just bad gear choice, so cover up if you're going to run in this cold.

What else is coming up...

In the very near future, I must emphasize the Chilly Cheeks race in Reading on January 26. I have heard some interest from a bunch of you and I think you will really enjoy it if you like trail running up a small mountain in January, and I know you do. Come test out your mid-winter fitness.

Lenape Survival Challenge, my personal favorite race of the year, is coming up on April 26. Grab a partner that's a similar pace, run 4.5 miles together through farm fields, up and down a ski slope and through the woods, then hop into a canoe to paddle together to the finish line! Last year we brought 11 two-person teams and I think we can have an even better turnout this year! Plus, we still need to take down the team from Lockhead Martin that has held the title for 6 years.

The 2014 26 x 1mile Relay Challenge is happening on May 18. A third team has begun filling up their roster of 13 runners, each of whom will run two 1-mile legs for a group marathon! Bring it on Orange Iguanas and Blue Barracudas, whoever you are! We'll be hanging out all morning in beautiful West Fairmount Park in front of the Horticultural Center with music, drinks and some casual BBQing. Register now, only 105 spots are left.