Thousands Race Around Sports Complex for Phillies Charities 5K Ahead of Opening Day

Annual event raises funds for local organizations ahead of Phillies' season opener.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:27pm

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Thousands of runners and walkers participated in the 16th annual Phillies Charities 5K race around Citizens Bank Park and the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia on Saturday. The sold-out event, which benefits local organizations through Phillies Charities grants, drew 7,000 registered participants and featured appearances by the Phillie Phanatic and Phillies Ballgirls.

Why it matters

The Phillies Charities 5K is a longstanding tradition that kicks off the baseball season in Philadelphia, raising funds for community organizations while also generating excitement ahead of the team's home opener. The event provides an opportunity for Phillies fans and the broader community to come together in support of a good cause.

The details

The 5K course took runners around the Phillies' home stadium, Citizens Bank Park, as well as the nearby Xfinity Mobile Arena. Among the participants was Jenn Kaliser, a Bucks County resident who is currently undergoing cancer treatment with the American Cancer Society's Team Determination. Kaliser said the energy of the event helped her focus on the "enjoyment of being here, and getting to run, move my body and do something good" for herself, rather than on her ongoing medical challenges.

  • The Phillies Charities 5K took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • The Phillies' regular season home opener is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026 against the Texas Rangers.

The players

Phillies Charities

The charitable arm of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team, which provides grants to local organizations.

Jenn Kaliser

A Bucks County resident who is currently undergoing cancer treatment and participated in the 5K race with the American Cancer Society's Team Determination.

Phillie Phanatic

The official mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team, who kicked off the 5K race.

Phillies Ballgirls

Members of the Philadelphia Phillies' all-female fan engagement team, who distributed medals to the 5K race winners.

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What they’re saying

“There's so much energy for a race. I've been walking a lot post my surgery and during chemotherapy. ... The excitement of everyone getting ready to run or walk, it feels good. My brain stops focusing on my cancer and on my treatments and on the long road I still have ahead of me.”

— Jenn Kaliser, Cancer patient and 5K participant

What’s next

The Phillies will host their regular season home opener against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Phillies Charities 5K is an annual tradition that brings the Philadelphia community together to support local organizations and kick off the baseball season with a sense of excitement and camaraderie, even for those facing personal health challenges.