Tema Feuer Esberg (right) and Maya Esberg (center) help Cindy Kane (left) prepare for the Run For the Hill of It race that takes place on July 31.

The 5-mile Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) Run for the Hill of It annual run will attract novice and experienced runners to Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon Valley Park section of Fairmount Park on Saturday, July 31. All proceeds will raise money for MCAP. First-time racers and returning runners will line up for an 8:30 a.m. start at Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park.

Seasoned Run for the Hill of It Racers

Cindy Kane can’t remember when she first raced in a Run for the Hill of It, but she thinks it was in the late 80s or early 90s. Since then, the Wyndmoor resident has participated in the race whenever her summer travel schedule has allowed.

“I love the Run for the Hill of it,” says Kane, “There is always such a sense of community there.”

Kane enjoys catching up with friends and seeing the same runners each year, and says, “Everyone seems to turn out for this race because they love the park and it’s always for a good cause.”

A First for Her

When Krista Jones stands at the start line, it will be the first time her feet touch Forbidden Drive. The West Chester resident, who just started running last year, has only done one 5-mile race before and has never run in Fairmount Park. For her, a 5-miler is “just enough but not too much.”

Drawn to the Kids

When Jones looks for races, she always investigates the race organizer and beneficiary, “I really respect what MCAP does for the abused kids in the area. I picked this race because it is such a great opportunity to donate to the cause.” The Run for the Hill of It also represents a chance for her to get in the park.

“I’ve always wanted to run in Fairmount Park and have heard such great things about Forbidden Drive; I’m really looking forward to a great race,” she says.

Exploring The Path

Locals have various names for the popular Forbidden Drive that parallels the Wissahickon Creek - some call it “the Bridle Path,” “the Drive,” “the Wissy” (short for Wissahickon), or “Down on the trail.” Whatever its name, visitors love coming to Forbidden Drive.

The starting point for the race is where Forbidden Drive hits Northwestern, but don’t assume that is where all runners begin their visits. Although Northwestern Avenue, Bells Mill Avenue and Valley Green Inn host parking areas and are the most popular entrances to the Forbidden Drive, many trailheads accessible throughout Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy lead to the path.

Hidden Beauty

“It is an amazingly beautiful place to escape to and feel connected to nature,” says Kane.
The simple beauty and serenity of Forbidden Drive draws men, women and children with a wide range of athletic abilities and interests to the shady, wooded path and rustic hillside. On a stroll along the car-width path, closed to vehicles, you may pass birdwatchers, fishermen, artists, tricyclists, walkers, baby strollers, mountain bikers, or equestrians.

Great for Runners

Runners are particularly drawn to the path for its soft natural surface and shade. Although now marked with concrete stones indicating half-mile increments, many runners prefer the other indicators. With a start at Northwestern Avenue, the Bells Mills Avenue intersection is a half-mile, the historic Thomas Mill Covered Bridge marks 1mile and the Valley Green Inn is 2.5 miles.

A rippling stream, waterfalls, rustling of leaves and sounds of wildlife make the path a favorite running spot to many. Those who love it rave about it and those who have not visited, like Jones, wait in anxious anticipation to enjoy its wonder.

Train, Train, Train

Jones and Kane both follow consistent training schedules. Kane, who has completed a triathlon, has been running since high school but Jones, a high school pole-vaulter, never enjoyed running. Encouraged by her boyfriend to start, she followed a Couch to 5K training guide online and crossed the finish line of her first 5K last March.

Though neither Jones nor Kane use a trainer to prepare for Saturday’s race, they both employ running partners and solid routines.

Routine as a Rule

Kane is “down on the trail” 4 to 5 days a week with her friend and running partner, Lisa Russo. They regularly log between 3 to 5 miles, but when preparing for longer competitions, such as the Broad Street Run (10 miles) or Philadelphia Distance Run (13.1 miles), they increase their mileage.

With the encouragement and accompaniment of her boyfriend Justin Hudson, Jones runs 6 days a week.

Like many other runners, she attributes the (running) partnership with her boyfriend as the key to her success, “On the days I don’t want to train, he pushes me. Yes, he is faster than me but we work out at our own paces. It makes it so much easier when you have someone you enjoy being with.”

The Park - a Training Ground

Training for Kane involves more than runs on the park’s flat path. She spends time running the upper trails or participating in Boot Camp classes throughout the park. With over 50 miles of trails and 1800 acres in the Wissahickon Valley Park, she has much to work with, “Doing boot camp there you don’t need equipment because we use all the natural elements of the park: sprinting up hills for an incline, push-ups on the bridge and picnic benches for stretches.”

An Arizona native, Kane is particularly appreciative of the chance to immerse herself in the park. “This is our park,” she says, “I feel privileged to live so close to somewhere you can immerse yourself so deep into nature and also be so close to home.”

There is Still Time to Register

If you haven’t registered yet – there is still time! Register online or on race day at 8 a.m. Volunteers are still needed on race day to assist with parking, registration, set up/clean up, and drink distribution. For questions on the race or MCAP, contact Mary Pugh.