March 28, 2016
M. Fischetti/Visit Philadelphia™
Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park is awash in pink as thousands of cherry blossom trees burst forth with their delicate blooms. The trees, which are the focal point of the city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, became part of the local landscape in 1926 when the Japanese government gave 1,600 flowering trees to Philadelphia in honor of the 150th anniversary of America’s independence. In 2007, a 10-year campaign to plant an additional 1,000 trees ended, creating a stunning spectacle each spring.
Looking for a way to view all the cherry blossom spots in Philly in one go? The Cherry Blossom 5k or 10k race course hits plenty of the big ones. The race takes off at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 and winds through Fairmount Park, where thousands of cherry blossom trees are planted.
Catch views of Shofuso Japanese House and Garden and the blooms along the Schuylkill River, too.
If you're not a runner but still want to attend, you can opt to walk in the 5k.
The fitness event is part of the Sabaru Cherry Blossom Festival hosted by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.
Saturday, April 16
7:30 a.m. start time | $25-$30 registration
Fairmount Horticulture Center
100 N. Horticulture Drive
(267) 348-0250
