Media 5 Mile Race - What You Need To Know! (parking, road closures, festivities, FAQs, updates)

Media 5 Mile Race 2014
What You Need to Know

(aka Media’s Mardi Gras, not Fat Tuesday; Fit Friday)

Parking and Road Closures:

Media will begin to close down the streets that make up the race course around 5pm and won't officially open them back up until 9pm. Consequently, this will create a lot of detours in and around Media, so be prepared for delays and frustrated drivers (happens every year).   A lot of people in town make arrangements to leave early to avoid the traffic.  For those coming into town, it’s best to get here as early as you can.  You’ll be able to maneuver around Media after 5pm, but it’ll be less so and not recommended as it gets closer to race time (7pm.), especially inside the perimeter of the course.  

The blue line represents the race course and streets closed beginning at 5pm

Public transportation is available via the Media 101 Trolley , SEPTA Buses and Media/Elwyn Regional line.  We have quite a few of bike racks on State Street too, so biking is another good option and the easiest way to get around.

Parking will be a challenge in Media, and with about ~140 less parking spaces due to the partial closure of Olive Street Garage, finding a place to park may be more troublesome than running the race itself.  If I hear of businesses or organizations lending their parking lots, I’ll share as it becomes available.

Kids Fun Run (6pm)

For the youngsters (11yrs and younger) there will be a free Fun Run at Barrall Field on State Street (next to Media Elementary) at 6pm.  You must signup (registration form) and submit by 5:45pm. Kids get a t-shirt and parents get tired kids.

Festivities - Bars, Restaurants and House Parties

Media businesses will be ready for all your drinking and dining pleasures before and after the race.  Check out a slew of great places to hang-out and watch the runners as it they go right down State Street.  Sligo’s, Stephen’s on State and the Plumstead Inn are always popular during this event, so get a good seat to cheer!  For those entertaining make sure to stock up on food and beverages from 320 Market Cafe and County Beverage.  Also, check out Bryn Mawr Running on State Street for any last minute equipment needs.

Travel beyond State Street and you’ll notice a host of house parties happening on virtually every street in town (I hear 6th Street is the best!).  Whether it’s a mix of live music, swanky catered events, keggers, cocktail parties, or festive cook-outs; you’ll see, hear and experience it all one way or the other.  The festivities go on through most of the night but begin to wind down around 11pm, so stop by and enjoy Media’s hospitality.

Social Media - Participate!

People love to capture and share this experience via social media.  Whether it’s instant updates, coverage, pictures or video, we’ll cover it here with live feeds from Twitter and Facebook.  Be in the know, and use hash tags: #MEDIAPA and #MEDIA5MILE

Media 5 Mile Race FAQs:

• How long has this race been happening? This is the 35th year
• How many people run? This year it's capped at 1,600
• Is this Media's only race?  Yes!  Why?  I don't know.
• Where's the course? The 5 miles is made up of two laps around the perimeter of town (check out race course map)
• What's the official drink?  I dunno....Two Buck Chuck?
• Why's it also called Media's Mardi Gras: It's easier to experience why, then for me to tell you.
• How hard is this race?  With the hills, some have said it's harder than the Broad Street run.
• Will it be held in the rain?  Yes, but weather looks good for tomorrow.  
• Is there an official site: http://www.media5milerace.com

Lastly, thanks to the many who organize and volunteer to make this race happen, it’s their energy and enthusiasm that makes this Media’s BIGGEST DAY.  Also, a special thanks to the Media Police, Media Fire Department and First Responders for making this an enjoyable and safe event!

Tedman