If you live at 1213 Walnut, you have the convenience of never having to leave your own apartment building for a fulfilling and unique workout. However, if you’re one for exploring everything the Philly fitness scene has to offer, you’ll quickly become acquainted with our Midtown Village neighbor Unite Fitness.

Located at 12th and Sansom streets since 2006, Unite offers everything from tough, comprehensive group workouts to one-on-one personal training and nutrition. The studio was recently named one of the top 50 gyms in America by Men’s Fitness, and it’s only a short walk away from 1213 Walnut.

Plus, on Thursday, Sept. 21, Unite hosts the Unite Philly Run. Sponsored by the Rothman Institute, a local orthopaedic science organization, the free, 5K run through the Philadelphia streets is designed to be a fun and easy workout experience that will take participants from 20th and Ranstead through some of the city’s most iconic settings such as Dilworth Park, the Comcast Center, Logan Square and more.

Unlike most citywide runs, the Unite Philly Run is an inclusive, interactive opportunity for beginners and advanced runners alike to get outside and have fun while exercising. If a 5k run sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry: the course itself is broken down into four sections, making it easier to complete.

Runners will leave from the Unite Fitness Rittenhouse studio and make their way through the course where they will stop at four surprise strength stations, which will consist of strength training activities that make for a well-balanced workout.  

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McKay (center) at Unite Fitness with a furry friend.

“This event is special because it is not a huge timed run along Kelly Drive like all the others,” says Gavin McKay, owner of Unite Fitness and longtime friend of Midtown Village. “It is a fun fitness flash mob that is running through the sidewalks, parks and streets of Center City that inspires others to get outside and enjoy exercise.”

McKay also emphasizes the fact that the run is configured like a scavenger hunt. “We aren’t trying to beat a time or just finish—participants collect exercise reps at our pop-up strength stations before they can move along the course.”

The Unite Philly Run has some other interesting perks you can get excited about. Puppy lovers can feel free to bring their furry friends along. Dogs are not only allowed—they are welcomed with open arms.

The run will kick off at 6 p.m., and for the social butterflies in the crowd, there will be a block party held before and after the run. You can expect to see a DJ, plenty of swag bags and food and drinks provided by Honeygrow, Saxbys and Sip-N-Glo Juicery.

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When it comes to citywide runs, it doesn’t get much better than this. If you know a friend who loves fitness (or maybe just good food and dogs) tell them about the Unite Philly Run and register online here. Don’t forget the run is FREE. (Yes, you read that right—free.)

Book a tour at 1213 Walnut today to see what centered city living is like in the newest and most luxurious apartments in Midtown Village.