Yards Brewing, Philadelphia Distance Run, Yards Brewery, Students Run Philly Style, Philadelphia Distance Run — Yards Brewing and Philadelphia Distance Run team up again for the last Yards Bridge Run of the year on Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Hundreds of runners will take on the most iconic bridge in America to raise money for Students Run Philly Style. After attracting hundreds of runners and raising money earlier this spring, Yards Brewing and Philadelphia Distance Run are teaming up again for the last Yards Bridge Run of the year on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Runners of all faces and all paces are invited to join this special night of community, running, giving back and food/drink. Founded in 2014 by longtime Yards employee Keith Zonderwyk, the Yards Bridge Runs have spent more than a decade bringing together runners, beer lovers, and members of Philadelphia's vibrant fitness community. What began as a casual gathering among friends has grown into a beloved local tradition, combining exercise, community, and philanthropy.

Participants gather at the Yards Taproom at 500 Spring Garden Street at 6:00pm before setting out on an approximately 4.25-mile route that crosses the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and returns to the brewery. Once back at Yards, runners are invited to stay for food, drinks, raffles, and post-run socializing.

Zonderwyk, a maintenance technician who has worked at Yards Brewing Company for more than 14 years, started the runs as a passion project and remains one of the event's biggest champions.

"One of the things I've always loved about these runs is that they're truly for everyone," said Zonderwyk. "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. The fact that we get to support an organization like Students Run Philly Style makes it even more special."

In recent years, Yards has partnered with the team behind the Philadelphia Distance Run to help grow participation while raising funds for Students Run Philly Style, a charitable organization that transforms students' lives through running and mentorship.

Students Run Philly Style pairs volunteer mentors with teams of students and challenges them to pursue ambitious goals through running. As they train to complete a half marathon or full marathon, students gain confidence, perseverance, and the support of caring mentors who help them realize that anything is possible.

Following each run, participants can support the organization through a raffle fundraiser featuring prizes from Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia Distance Run, Philly Runner, and other community partners.

Donation levels include:
$5 donation - 1 raffle ticket
$10 donation - 5 raffle tickets
$20 donation - An arm's length of raffle tickets

All donations include $1 off draft beer and $5 canned beer specials.

Prizes include complimentary entries into the Philadelphia Distance Run 5K or Half Marathon, Philly Runner gift cards, Yards Brewing Company gift cards, and additional giveaways.
Representatives from Brooks Running will also be on-site, giving participants the opportunity to demo shoes during the run and learn more about Brooks' collaboration with Students Run Philly Style, an innovative 3D-printed shoe initiative.

Participation in the Yards Bridge Runs is free and open to runners and walkers of all experience levels. Whether training for an upcoming race, looking to meet fellow runners, or simply searching for a unique way to spend a summer evening in Philadelphia, participants are encouraged to join the next run on Tuesday, August 18.

Event Details
Yards Bridge Runs
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Yards Brewing Company
500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Approximately 4.25 miles
Free to participate

About Yards Brewing Company
Founded in Philadelphia in 1994, Yards Brewing Company has spent more than 30 years brewing Philadelphia-inspired beer while supporting the communities it serves. The brewery and taproom are located at 500 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood.

About Students Run Philly Style
Students Run Philly Style transforms students' lives through running and mentorship. The organization pairs volunteer mentors with teams of students to inspire them to push themselves further than they ever imagined. Through the challenge of training for and completing a half marathon or full marathon, students build confidence, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible.

About Philadelphia Distance Run
Founded in 1978, the Philadelphia Distance Run has become one of the region's premier running events and is known as "Philly's Fastest Half Marathon." Held annually on the third Sunday in September, the race welcomes runners of all abilities and serves as a popular tune-up race heading into fall marathon season.