Philadelphia Marathon- Students Run Philly Style

Welcome to the ultra party of the summer. The Loopy Looper is held at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ on a fast and flat loop that has great views of the Philadelphia skyline and the water. The loop is 3.75 miles long, fully paved with about 100m worth of rubber track.

With easy access to your personal pit area, a fully stocked aid station, and passing a Wawa on course this is both perfect for beginners and for someone looking to throw down some big numbers. This is one of the fastest timed and looped courses in the country! Come out and find your finish out on the loop

Step into the legendary spirit of the "City of Brotherly Love," where history and hard work go hand-in-hand. From the iconic "Rocky Steps" to the bustling markets of Center City, Philadelphia is a town that respects the hustle and honors those willing to go the distance, making it the perfect home for the grit of the DEKA community.

The action centers at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a massive, state-of-the-art arena located right in the heart of downtown Philly. This three-day event invites you to conquer the standard DEKA FIT course via Age Group or Elite waves, or take on the specialized Ruck and Team (2-person and 4-person) categories. For those who refuse to quit, the DEKA FIT Ultra offers a chance to etch your name into the city’s storied athletic history.

Saturday Morning, August 22nd, 2026

7:00 AM – Charities with Booth Spaces Set-Up

8:00 AM – Welcome, Warm-Up & Kids Sprint

8:30 AM – Race Start

Join us for the Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV): a powerful celebration of the life-changing work of local community organizations and a chance for everyone who cares about ending gun violence to take meaningful action.

This is your opportunity to cultivate hope: run, walk, or sprint alongside others who share the vision of a community free from gun violence. Every step counts, and 100% of charitable contributions you raise go directly to your selected Charity Partner, supporting efforts to end gun violence where it matters most.

Here’s how you can make an impact:

• Participate in the 8K, 5K, 2-Mile Walk, or Kids for Peace Sprint.

• Invite friends, family, and colleagues to join you or cheer you on!

• Mobilize your networks—ask local businesses and community connections to support your chosen charity.

Spread the word—share your story on social media using #RAGV2026 #StridesForPeace and inspire others to take part.

Together, we can bring resources, connections, and support to some of Philadelphia's most dedicated grassroots organizations exactly when they need it most. Every step, every dollar, every voice matters. Thank you for making Strides for Peace.

Learn more about our incredible charity partners and their work to end gun violence by visiting the links below.

Join us for this new 5k to honor the memory of Ed Espenshade. Ed was an influential member of the South Jersey racing scene for many years.

Swag/Awards

• T Shirt

• Finisher medals

• Overall and Age Group awards

While growing up in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Ed Espenshade played catch with his dad, attended Phillies and Sixers games, and dreamed of being an athlete. But soon after he acquired a paper route as a twelfth birthday present, Ed was hit by a car while attempting to cross a road. After blood was drawn during an examination in the emergency room, Ed received shocking news: he had diabetes.

As his path took an unexpected turn, Ed describes how he became more determined than ever to pursue his athletic goals. After an unsuccessful attempt at soccer, Ed eventually found his home as a cross country runner in high school and college. It seemed that Ed was defying all odds as he continued to run hundreds of road races that included four marathons. But everything changed in 2003 when Ed found himself face down on the street during a training run and soon received another stunning diagnosis: he had a rare nonmalignant brain tumor. As he details his continuing journey with two serious health conditions, Ed shines a light on the importance of keeping hope, faith, and perseverance alive in the face of lifes greatest challenges.