PENNSYLVANIA - The vibrant running community of Philadelphia is gearing up for a special evening of fitness, fellowship, and philanthropy. Yards Brewing Company has announced it is teaming up with the Philadelphia Distance Run for the final Yards Bridge Run of the year, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Yards Brewing and Philadelphia Distance Run Team Up for the Benjamin Franklin Bridge Run
Runners and walkers of all paces are invited to take on the iconic Benjamin Franklin Bridge to raise vital funds for Students Run Philly Style, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of local students through running and mentorship.
A Decade of Community Running
The Yards Bridge Runs originated in 2014, founded by Keith Zonderwyk, a maintenance technician who has been with Yards Brewing for over 14 years. What began as a casual gathering among friends has organically evolved into a beloved Philadelphia tradition.
"One of the things I've always loved about these runs is that they're truly for everyone. You'll see people training for a half-marathon running alongside someone crossing the bridge for the first time. We've got serious runners, casual runners, and everyone in between. The run is great, but it's really about bringing people together and building the community." — Keith Zonderwyk, Yards Bridge Run Founder
The Route and The After-Party
The event kicks off at the Yards Taproom located in Northern Liberties. Participants will tackle an approximately 4.25-mile route that crosses the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and returns to the brewery.
Once back at Yards, the real celebration begins. Runners are invited to stay for an evening of food, drinks, and post-run socializing. The after-party features a robust raffle fundraiser directly benefiting Students Run Philly Style.
Raffle Donation Levels:
- $5 donation: 1 raffle ticket
- $10 donation: 5 raffle tickets
- $20 donation: An arm's length of raffle tickets
Note: All donations grant access to $1 off draft beer and $5 canned beer specials.
Prizes include complimentary entries into the Philadelphia Distance Run 5K or Half Marathon, gift cards to Philly Runner and Yards Brewing Company, and other community giveaways. Additionally, representatives from Brooks Running will be on-site, allowing participants to demo shoes during the run and showcasing their innovative 3D-printed shoe collaboration with Students Run Philly Style.
Supporting Local Students
The partnership between Yards Brewing and the Philadelphia Distance Run was forged to boost participation and amplify fundraising efforts for Students Run Philly Style.
The charitable organization pairs volunteer mentors with student teams, challenging them to achieve ambitious goals, such as completing a half or full marathon. Through this rigorous training process, students build confidence, learn perseverance, and receive the crucial support of caring mentors.
Event Details At-A-Glance
Participation in the Yards Bridge Run is completely free and open to everyone, regardless of experience level.
- Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Time: Meet at 6:00 PM
- Location: Yards Brewing Company (500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123)
- Distance: Approximately 4.25 miles
- Cost: Free to participate
Whether you are deep in training for the upcoming fall race season, looking to connect with the local fitness community, or just want a unique way to spend a summer evening in Philadelphia, the Yards Bridge Run offers an incredible opportunity to run with purpose.
