Forbidden Run Fest
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Forbidden Run Fest : event details
Forbidden Run Fest takes place on November 9, 2025 in Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, PA. The event is limited to 750 runners and features three race options:
- 10 KM
- 10 Miles
- Half Marathon+
The start/finish area is at Houston Recreational Center / Houston Playground, 900 Grakyn Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128. Registration closes November 3. Entry fees vary by distance and by registration date (examples: 13.1+ $75–$85, 10 Mile $65–$75, 10 KM $55–$65). Refunds are available up to 30 days before race day; refunds are the entry fee minus $10. No refunds or deferrals within 30 days of the event.
Course, aid stations and logistics
All courses run within Wissahickon Valley Park and use sections of Forbidden Drive plus single track and gravel trails. Forbidden Drive is described as a smooth gravel surface about 5.45 miles long, 25 feet wide, with a maximum grade of 3%. Course features include initial downhill dirt sections, long gravel stretches on Forbidden Drive, rolling single track, and a short rocky uphill called Mount Misery (about 1/4 mile) near the finish. The Half Marathon+ is listed closer to 14 miles and includes about 3 miles of single track plus paved and gravel bike-trail sections.
Aid stations are spaced about 2-3 miles apart; water, Gatorade and some snacks will be available. The race is chip timed by 2Lraceservices and live results will be posted. Bib and swag pickup is on race day only. Awards include a finisher award and race shirt for all finishers and trophies for top overall and age-group places. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.