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Rest in Peace 5K at Laurel Hill Cemetery

There were zombies, a whole family dressed as "Wizard of Oz" characters, artist Bob Ross & his Happy Little Tree, two T-Rex dinosaurs & a princess galloping on a unicorn among the colorful runners during Laurel Hill Cemetery's 10th annual Rest in Peace 5K on Oct. 6. 

Organized by the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, this Philadelphia race has one of the most challenging 5K courses I've ever experienced & also one of the most fun. For years I've enjoyed the Halloween tours & Cinema in the Cemetery events in the summer at Laurel Hill, which overlooks the Schuylkill River & Kelly Drive. I've always wanted to run this course, which weaves among the towering obelisks and weeping angel statues throughout the National Historic Landmark cemetery founded in 1836. Though it was a day after Kevin & I were in his brother's wedding, I thought we would be recovered to race by the 5 p.m. start.

Arriving about an hour early, since parking is limited to three small lots across from the Gatehouse on Ridge Ave. as well as some street spots, we checked in our team "They're Coming to Get You Barbara." Since Kevin's friend Christine (wearing a bumblebee costume) pre-registered to be on our team (you needed at least three runners to form a team), we were able to get the $5 discount off of the $40 fee. We sported our best Squints & Wendy Peffercorn outfits from "The Sandlot." Soon the race volunteers led us down the winding path to line up for the start. Since this was also a costume contest, it was so much fun to check out all of the creative Halloween ideas. My favorite was the guy wearing a judge robe with the words "100 Beer Club" & "Ralphing" and a foam beer hat & running while clenching a Miller Lite can. It was an awesome costume representing a joke of a justice. There was also a trio of runners dressed as elves giving out candy, a Wonder Woman or two, a dog decked out in prison stripes as well as a few Where's Waldos.

Soon the costumes started peeling off as the runners set off in the muggy, evening air. We ran along the curved roads flanked by imposing mausoleums & lifelike statues overlooking the Schuylkill. Beautiful scenery during the day, I definitely wouldn't want to be there at night. With cute Halloween signs like "You go ghoul-friend," I steadily & slowly made my way around the course. While the many hills were challenging, the cheers from the supporters along the route helped to spur me to the finish line. I felt strong crossing the finish line, but disappointed with my time of 36:12 & the fact the race was chipped timed.

A cold beer of Magic Hat definitely helped to ease the pain as we waited to hear the results of the costume contest. It was one of the best post 5K race parties, featuring music & beer, and it was awesome knowing that the event is a fundraiser to preserve and promote the historical character of Laurel Hill Cemetery through educational programs and public outreach. 

Grading on the route, ease and cost of registration (which was $37.50), T-shirt appeal and overall fun factor I give this race four sneakers out of five.

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Location: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA

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