Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run ®

The BEST Phoenixville running event (with the BEST finisher's medals) during the BEST local holiday in all of America, is BACK for 2026!

On Sunday July 12th, Steve McQueen and YOU star in the horror movie of the century! Uh...last century!

Every year, Phoenixville, PA celebrates Blobfest in honor of 1958's The BLOB. And every year, we throw a running party to help celebrate and support the historic Colonial Theatre that stars in the film! Join us as we start and finish right in front of the Colonial Theatre for our 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Kids Fun Run!

Course Decoration Contest!

Not a runner? Get a group of friends together to participate in our course decoration contest and you could win gift cards to our local Phoenixville restaurants. Here's how it works: Your group will be given an area on the 5K course to decorate in some Blob (or other monster/alien) theme. The only rule is that you don't obstruct or startle our runners. After the race, runners will vote for the best scenes and the winners will receive gift cards!

Location: The race starts in front of the Historic Colonial Theatre on Bridge Street! 227 Bridge St. The street will be closed to cars.

Parking: Free off-site parking will be available at Phoenixville Middle School (1000 Purple Pride Parkway). A free shuttle bus will run from 6:00 am to 11:00 am. 5K and 10K runners are encouraged to park at the middle school. Half marathon runners should park at the middle school only if they have picked up their bibs the day before (since the half marathon starts at 7 am). GPS LINK TO LOT

Paid Parking Near the Start/Finish: See the parking map at the bottom of our registration page HERE. Every year it seems like there is less and less parking in Phoenixville (and now most spaces cost $$ on Sundays), so we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE CARPOOLING (or walking to the start if you live close by). There are four municipal lots near the starting area. One is accessible by the driveway between the Municipal building and the Foodery (325 Bridge Street). The other is on the corner of Taylor Alley and South Main Street. There is also parking at the Borough Hall lot (351 Bridge Street) and the Smithworks parking lot (30 N. Main St.). When you park at Smithworks, it's a very short walk over the bridge by the Foundry to get up to Bridge Street.

Finisher's Medal: Every finisher in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon will receive an incredible Blob-themed finisher's medal!

Flexible Options: If you register for the half marathon but the day comes and it is very hot (or for any reason), you can drop down to the 10K or 5K. Just tell our timer at the starting line.

Starting Times: Half marathon: 7 am / 10K: 8 am / 5K: 8:10 am / Kids' Run 8:15 am

Bib Pickup: There are 2 options for packet pickup this year.

SATURDAY 7/11 11am to 5 pm @ the RUNegades table at the Blobfest Street Fair on Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

RACE DAY 7/12 starting @ 6 am.

Pacers: 2026 pace times for the half and 10K will be available as we get closer to the race!

Water stops: We will have lots of water and hydrate at the race, but out of an abundance of caution, half and 10K runners are encouraged to bring their own water.

Half: miles 1, 3.1, 4.7, 6.55, 7.3, 9.2, 11.1, & 11.8

10K: miles 1, 3.1, 4.7

5K: mile 1.8

COURSE CUT-OFF: Due to the July heat, the half marathon cut-off time will be a strict 3:30. Walkers are encouraged to participate in the 5K or 10K.

Steel City Offer: Steel City Coffeehouse and Brewery at 203 Bridge Street in Phoenixville is offering 10% off all purchases for runners who show their bibs after the race!

All participants in the kids fun-run receive a finisher's ribbon and prize.

5K, 10K, and 1/2 marathon awards: The top 3 M/F overall and the top 3 M/F in each of the following age groups will be recognized: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

But that's not all!! We'll have special rewards for best dressed, best course decorations, and most Blobbiest team!

A portion of your registration fees and 100% of all donations will go to The Historic Colonial Theatre, the site of The Blob's most famous scene!

INDESCRIBABLE! INDESTRUCTIBLE! NOTHING CAN STOP IT! (is that old poster about the Blob...or YOU?)

PACKET PICKUP: There are 2 options for packet pickup this year.

SATURDAY 7/11 11am to 5 pm @ the RUNegades table at the Blobfest Street Fair on Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

RACE DAY 7/12 starting @ 6 am near the start/finish area in front of the Colonial Theatre!

French Creek Racing presents the fourth race of our series of 6 open water swimming races throughout the summer.

You MUST be registered for the FULL SERIES to be eligible for series points and awards.

2025 race dates are: 5/5, 6/2, 6/23, 7/21, 8/4, and 8/25.

Each race will be scheduled on Tuesday afternoon/evening with Thursday as a rain date. For all dates, we are offering both a 800m and 1600m series option.

Race address: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA. This GPS address will get you to the parking lot. From the lot, walk the short paved path toward the river and make a left until you see our launch/starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge. Absolutely no parking in front of our launch area.

Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering.

We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78ºF will be wetsuit legal and above 78º will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78ºF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.

FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 5:00 PM. Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the main competitive heat at 6:30PM. 1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 6:00PM.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee. You will select your wave start time during the registration process. If you need to change your start wave, please email us. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish dock prior to your wave start time. Please do not swim downstream on the race course and remain within sight of the starting platform. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.

All series racers registered by 4/4 will receive a series t-shirt, and a custom award.

REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.

Check out the most accurate water conditions at this location here. Open Water Series Events are subject to cancellation or change due to weather (lightning, water quality, etc.). For the most up to date information on our location and schedule, join our Facebook Group.

Directions to Norristown Location:

From Trooper Rd. exit of 422, head toward the Betzwood trailhead on Trooper Rd. Make a left at the "T" to go under 422. Make another left to the parking lot and walk the short paved path to the starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.

The 800m swim course will start slightly upriver, then about 390 meters downriver, returning upriver to the finish line. For more details, please review our Swim Course Map. The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.

SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating dock start/finish.

It is suggested that swimmers bring their own pre-race food and drinks. If there is anything you need, please bring it from home!

Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite. Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive. The nearest bathroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead, about 600 meters from our launch point. No changing room on site.

PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:

OPEN WATER SERIES EVENT OCCUR IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS. All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Generally, we will use www.phillyrivercast.org as a guideline of water quality. Ultimately, we will make a call by 12 noon and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. Rain dates are typically Thursday of the same week, unless we post otherwise. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!

Prizes

Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/25) to claim their awards.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact [email protected] to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!

French Creek Racing presents the fifth race of our series of 6 open water swimming races throughout the summer.

You MUST be registered for the FULL SERIES to be eligible for series points and awards.

2025 race dates are: 5/5, 6/2, 6/23, 7/21, 8/4, and 8/25.

Each race will be scheduled on Tuesday afternoon/evening with Thursday as a rain date. For all dates, we are offering both a 800m and 1600m series option.

Race address: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA. This GPS address will get you to the parking lot. From the lot, walk the short paved path toward the river and make a left until you see our launch/starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge. Absolutely no parking in front of our launch area.

Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering.

We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78ºF will be wetsuit legal and above 78º will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78ºF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.

FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 5:00 PM. Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the "party" heat at 6:30PM. 1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 6:00PM.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee. You will select your wave start time during the registration process. If you need to change your start wave, please email us. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish dock prior to your wave start time. Please do not swim downstream on the race course and remain within sight of the starting platform. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.

All series racers registered by 4/4 will receive a series t-shirt, and a custom award.

REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.

Check out the most accurate water conditions at this location here. Open Water Series Events are subject to cancellation or change due to weather (lightning, water quality, etc.). For the most up to date information on our location and schedule, join our Facebook Group.

Directions to Norristown Location:

From Trooper Rd. exit of 422, head toward the Betzwood trailhead on Trooper Rd. Make a left at the "T" to go under 422. Make another left to the parking lot and walk the short paved path to the starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.

The 800m swim course will start slightly upriver, then about 390 meters downriver, returning upriver to the finish line. For more details, please review our Swim Course Map. The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.

SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating dock start/finish.

It is suggested that swimmers bring their own pre-race food and drinks. If there is anything you need, please bring it from home!

Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite. Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive. The nearest bathroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead, about 600 meters from our launch point. No changing room on site.

PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:

OPEN WATER SERIES EVENT OCCUR IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS. All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Generally, we will use www.phillyrivercast.org as a guideline of water quality. Ultimately, we will make a call by 12 noon and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. Rain dates are typically Thursday of the same week, unless we post otherwise. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!

Prizes

Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/25) to claim their awards.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguards, kayakers, and much more. Please contact [email protected] to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!

Welcome to the 11th Annual River Day Races, presented by French Creek Racing!

Parking and directions: Use the GPS address - 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403. There is plenty of space available in this parking lot! Absolutely no parking in front of the launch area. From the lot, walk south (away from the Schuylkill River Trail) down the asphalt path toward the river. After you cross the road, make a left and walk downstream (east) for about 200 yards until you'll see our launch area on your right.

This event features our 5K, 1 mile, and 800m swim races, in addition to a SwimRun - 800m swim, 5K run, 800m swim, & 5K Relay (3 x 1 mi)

River Day Schedule:

Thursday 8/6 at Midnight - Online registration closes.

Saturday 8/8 -- 9AM - 5K Swim & Relay start

Saturday 8/8 -- 11AM - 1 Mile Swim start

Saturday 8/8 -- 11:40AM - SwimRunSwim start

Saturday 8/8 -- 11:45AM - 800m Swim start

Custom overall and age group awards will be given to the top 3 M/F in each classification - overall and 10 year age increments.

Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite. Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive. The nearest restroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead parking lot, about 600 meters away from our launch site. No changing rooms on site.

Register today for 1, multiple, or all 4 races, and stick around to see all the fun that River Day offers!

The 5K race starts at 9:00am. The cutoff time for the 5K is 3 hours. The 5K course will be 3 loops. All other races will be 1 loop. There will no hydration stop provided by French Creek Racing. Any 5K swimmer who wishes to place their own nutrition near the start/finish area (and 1&2 mile marks) will be permitted and encouraged to do so. If you expect to complete the race in LONGER than two hours, it is strongly encouraged for you to bring an individual escort kayaker, and your own nutrition. Please do not place your nutrition on the floating dock as it's very likely to get knocked into the river.

The 1 mile race (1 loop) starts at 11:00am. The cutoff time for the 1 mile is 1 hour. If you wish to bring your own escort kayaker, you may do so! We will have a number of kayak and boat supports along the course. There will be no nutrition/hydration stops on the 1 mile course.

The 800 meter race (1 loop) starts at 11:45am. The cutoff time for the 800 meter race is 30 minutes. There will be no nutrition/hydration stops on the 800 meter course.

The SwimRun event begins at 11:40am. All racers must complete the course by 1:00pm.

Swim/Run Notes:

• Format is 800m swim (1 loop), 5K run (2 loops), and 800m swim (1 loop)

• There will be a small transition area (not fenced in) where you can change shoes, etc. No transition times will be kept. You'll simply get swim and run splits. Transition on either side of the line.

• We will set up an aid station near the swim exit which runners will pass at least 4 times during their 5K. Racers may also stash their own nutrition at this aid station.

We will need approximately 10-12 volunteers (kayakers, lifeguards, and other helpers). Register Here to Volunteer, or contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

We will follow the USAT Wetsuit rule of 78º temperature threshold. Should the water temperature exceed 78º, anyone wearing a wetsuit will not be counted in the official results. Should the water temperature exceed 84º F, no wetsuits may be worn. Water temperature is likely to be above 78º in early August.

If you wish to bring your own escort kayaker, you may do so! We will already have a number of kayak and boat supports along the course.

When you arrive, check in at our table, take a swim cap, and have your number marked. New Wave Swim Buoys may be worn by racers (your choice of color).

PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:

THIS EVENT OCCURS IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS. All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Ultimately, we will make a call by 3 hours prior to the first heat, and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!

Live river condition updates can be found HERE.

Refund Policy: NO REFUNDS will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event. Deferrals will be offered in the event of race cancellation due to inclement weather.

French Creek Racing presents the final race of our series of 6 open water swimming races throughout the summer.

You MUST be registered for the FULL SERIES to be eligible for series points and awards.

2025 race dates are: 5/5, 6/2, 6/23, 7/21, 8/4, and 8/25.

Each race will be scheduled on Tuesday afternoon/evening with Thursday as a rain date. For all dates, we are offering both a 800m and 1600m series option.

Race address: 1400 S. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA. This GPS address will get you to the parking lot. From the lot, walk the short paved path toward the river and make a left until you see our launch/starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge. Absolutely no parking in front of our launch area.

Swimmers should be confident of their ability to swim 800/1600 meters in open water before entering.

We follow USAT's guidelines for use of wetsuits. Anything below 78ºF will be wetsuit legal and above 78º will be non-wetsuit. Anyone who wishes to wear a wetsuit above 78ºF will simply compete as an unofficial racer.

FORMAT: Swimmers will go off in small groups at specified wave start times. The first swimmers will begin at 5:00 PM. Swimmers will get to choose their heats at 30 minute intervals, including the "party" heat at 6:30PM. 1600 meter swimmers must start no later than 6:00PM.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is available until 9AM on race day. Registration is also available on site for an additional $5 fee. You will select your wave start time during the registration process. If you need to change your start wave, please email us. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned wave time. You may warm up in the vicinity of the start/finish dock prior to your wave start time. Please do not swim downstream on the race course and remain within sight of the starting platform. When you arrive, check in at our table. You'll get body marked and you'll receive a swim cap. A bright colored cap or New Wave Swim Buoy must be worn by all racers. Please let us know in advance if you need to purchase a NWSB.

All series racers registered by 4/4 will receive a series t-shirt, and a custom award.

REFUNDS: No refunds will be issued. If requested at least 7 days in advance, we will be able to transfer your funds to a different training or race event.

Check out the most accurate water conditions at this location here. Open Water Series Events are subject to cancellation or change due to weather (lightning, water quality, etc.). For the most up to date information on our location and schedule, join our Facebook Group.

Directions to Norristown Location:

From Trooper Rd. exit of 422, head toward the Betzwood trailhead on Trooper Rd. Make a left at the "T" to go under 422. Make another left to the parking lot and walk the short paved path to the starting point. We are approximately 300 yards downstream from the 422 bridge.

The 800m swim course will start slightly upriver, then about 390 meters downriver, returning upriver to the finish line. For more details, please review our Swim Course Map. The 1600m swim course will be 2 laps of the 800m course.

SWIM FINISH: These races will be hand timed. Your time will stop when you touch the floating dock start/finish.

It is suggested that swimmers bring their own pre-race food and drinks. If there is anything you need, please bring it from home!

Restrooms: No restroom facilities onsite. Please make sure you use the bathroom before you arrive. The nearest bathroom facility is at the Betzwood trailhead, about 600 meters from our launch point. No changing room on site.

PLEASE READ: INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:

OPEN WATER SERIES EVENT OCCUR IN A RIVER SUBJECT TO FLOW AND RUNOFF CONDITIONS. All races will be held rain or shine. Two things will cause the race to be postponed: 1) Lightning in the area, and 2) water quality due to stormwater runoff. Generally, we will use www.phillyrivercast.org as a guideline of water quality. Ultimately, we will make a call by 12 noon and email registrants as well as posting it on our Facebook page at that time. Rain dates are typically Thursday of the same week, unless we post otherwise. If there is light rain during the event, we will still swim. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF CONDITIONS, BUT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE RIVER, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ANY RACE TO BE HELD AT THE TIME INDICATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY!

Prizes

Custom awards will be given for the top 3 in each category and age group, based on points scored in each race. Award winners must be present at the final race of the season (8/25) to claim their awards.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of our events! We need lifeguaurds, kayakers, and much more. Please contact [email protected] to help out, or simply register as a volunteer!