PHILADELPHIA, PA — Hundreds of runners and walkers will cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge this summer for an evening that combines fitness, friendship, and support for young people across Philadelphia.
Yards Brewing Company and the team behind the Philadelphia Distance Run will host the final Yards Bridge Run of the year on Tuesday, Aug. 18, benefiting Students Run Philly Style. The free community event welcomes participants of every experience level, from seasoned distance runners to people crossing the bridge on foot for the first time.
Participants will meet at the Yards Taproom before setting out on an approximately 4.25-mile route over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and back to the brewery. After the run, guests can stay for food, drinks, raffles, and time with fellow members of Philadelphia’s running community.
“One of the things I’ve always loved about these runs is that they’re truly for everyone,” founder Keith Zonderwyk said. “You’ll see people training for a half marathon running alongside someone crossing the bridge for the first time.”
Zonderwyk, a Yards maintenance technician who has worked for the brewery for more than 14 years, founded the Bridge Runs in 2014 as a casual gathering among friends. The event has since grown into a local tradition centered on exercise, community, and philanthropy.
“We’ve got serious runners, casual runners, and everyone in between,” Zonderwyk added. “The run is great, but it’s really about bringing people together and building the community. The fact that we get to support an organization like Students Run Philly Style makes it even more special.”
Students Run Philly Style pairs volunteer mentors with teams of young people who train toward ambitious goals, including completing half marathons and full marathons. Along the way, participants build confidence, perseverance, and supportive relationships with adults who encourage them to keep moving forward.
The post-run raffle will raise additional money for the organization, with prizes supplied by Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia Distance Run, Philly Runner, and other community partners.
Raffle donation levels include:
- $5: One raffle ticket
- $10: Five raffle tickets
- $20: An arm’s length of raffle tickets
Each donation also includes $1 off draft beer and access to $5 canned beer specials. Prizes will include complimentary entries to the Philadelphia Distance Run 5K or Half Marathon, Philly Runner gift cards, Yards Brewing Company gift cards, and other giveaways.
Representatives from Brooks Running will also attend, giving participants the opportunity to test shoes during the run and learn about the company’s collaboration with Students Run Philly Style on a 3D-printed shoe initiative.
Event Details
- What: Yards Bridge Run benefiting Students Run Philly Style
- When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026; participants meet at 6 p.m.
- Where: Yards Brewing Company, 500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Cost/Tickets: Free to participate; optional raffle donations begin at $5
Whether participants are preparing for an upcoming race, hoping to meet other runners, or simply looking for a memorable summer evening in Philadelphia, the Bridge Run offers a welcoming way to get moving while helping local students pursue goals of their own.
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