Forbidden Run Fest

Event overview

Forbidden Run Fest takes place on November 8, 2026, in Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, PA. The event is organized by Uberendurancesports and is limited to 750 runners. Distances offered:

• 10 KM
• 10 Miles
• Half Marathon (organizer notes the half is closer to 14 miles)

All finishers receive a finisher medal and a race sweatshirt. Top 3 overall and top 3 in age groups (19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 plus) receive awards. Fees vary by distance and registration date.

Course and logistics

The entire course is inside Wissahickon Valley Park, which the organizer describes as over 2,000 acres with more than 50 miles of trails. The main route uses Forbidden Drive, a gravel trail about 5.45 miles long, 25 feet wide, with a maximum grade of 3%. Course surfaces include smooth gravel on Forbidden Drive, compacted dirt, rolling single-track trail, short paved bike-trail sections, and short rocky uphill sections identified as "Mount Misery" or "What the heck."

Each distance has defined aid stops and spacing: aid stations are spaced about 2-3 miles apart. The organizer lists water/Gatorade and snacks at aid stations; specific stops are at Mile 3 for the 10K, Miles 3/5/7 for the 10 Miler, and Miles 3/5/8/10 for the half. The race is chip timed by 2Lraceservices, with live results posted after finish. There is no pre-race expo; bib and swag pickup occur on race day at the start/finish area. A post-race award ceremony, pizza, and live music take place at the finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.