Forbidden Run Fest

Event overview

Forbidden Run Fest is a trail and gravel race held in Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, PA, on November 8, 2026. The event is limited to 750 runners and takes place entirely within the park, which is described as over 2,000 acres with more than 50 miles of trails. The main trail used is Forbidden Drive, a smooth gravel trail about 5.45 miles long, 25 feet wide, with a maximum grade of 3%.

Distances

• 10 KM
• 10 Miles
• Half Marathon (listed as 13.1+, course closer to 14 miles)

Course and terrain

All courses begin with a downhill section on compacted dirt, followed by several miles on the wide gravel Forbidden Drive. The half marathon includes a loop with about 3 miles of rolling single-track, 0.5 miles of paved bicycle trail and 0.5 miles of gravel trail. Each course finishes after a short rocky uphill section known as Mount Misery, roughly 1/4 mile, followed by compacted dirt back to the finish.

Logistics, aid and timing

Bibs and race shirts are pickup on race day only at the start/finish area near Houston Playground / Houston Recreational Center, 900 Grakyn Lane, Philadelphia. Aid stations are spaced 2-3 miles apart: 10K has a stop at mile 3; 10 Mile has stops at miles 3, 5 and 7; the half has stops at miles 3, 5, 8 and 10. Gatorade, water and snacks will be available; participants are advised to carry a bottle if preferred. The race is chip timed; runners should keep their bib visible on the front and avoid folding it. Organizers enforce a time limit and describe the event as hiker friendly.

Awards and post-race

All finishers receive a finisher medal and a race sweatshirt without advertising. Overall awards go to the top three finishers and age-group awards are given to the top three in these divisions: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 plus. A post-race awards ceremony, pizza and live music are planned at the finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.