Skylar Maurice, Staff Writer

Many people may choose to stay indoors due to the cold weather; however, people can still consider running as a way to get exercise. Running has many benefits including improved heart health, brainpower and immune system health.

One of the most impactful benefits of running is increased heart health. According to Self, there are guidelines given by the government on the recommended amount of daily activity. This amount is 150 minutes of exercise that is average in intensity in order to improve cardiovascular health. Low and high frequencies of running can still benefit people. A Mayo Clinic Proceedings review demonstrated that the same benefits were received from people who ran marathons in comparison to those that ran once or twice every week. Running can help create a durable cardiovascular system as a whole.

In addition, another benefit of running is improved brainpower. The decline of brain tissue increases the risk of cognitive decline. Being fit in terms of aerobics helps people keep more of their gray matter. The hippocampus is included in this part and is responsible for memory sustainment.

An additional benefit of running is a stronger immune system. According to Verywellhealth, exercise that is moderate and habitual aids in a better immune system. Research indicates that people who do high intensity workouts have been indicated to not have as many colds as well. A theory has been made by experts that physical activity can support the circulation of white blood cells that are responsible for attacking infections.

In order to avoid these problems, attending running events can be beneficial. An upcoming running event is the Rothman Orthopedics 8K. Additionally, there is the Philadelphia Marathon. According to Philadelphiamarathon, an 8k race is 4.97 miles, while the marathon is 26.2 miles. The race pursues the Schuylkill River and Kelly Drive. The date for this year’s race is Nov. 22, 2025. People that finish will acquire a shirt, medal, refreshments and an online certificate.

Another event where people can run is called the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon. The run’s distance is 13.1 miles. The race begins at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and passes through several unique areas such as Old City and Fairmount Park, concluding at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This race became a part of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend in 2006. Thousands of athletes are given the opportunity to finish the race on their terms, as each age group has increments and receives awards. The date for this year’s race is Nov. 22. Every person that finishes the race obtains an online certificate, a shirt, a medal and refreshments after the race.

Another event is the AACR Marathon. The run passes through Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River. The course has different checkpoints based on how far you ran. These distances include 2.2 miles, 10K and 15K, and beyond. The course also has fluid stations available. The date for this year’s race is Nov. 23. Every person that finishes gets awards. These items include a certificate, medal and refreshments afterwards.

In summary, during the colder months of the year many people stay inside; yet running is still an exercise that people can participate in. The benefits of running include an improved heart health, brainpower and immune system health. There are several running events that can help people avoid these issues.