WXPN 5k Run for Musicians On Call

Make a Difference with Every Step!

Hey, music lovers and change-makers! It's time to lace up those running shoes and gather your squad. Join us for the 12th annual WXPN 5k Run, the ultimate event to support Musicians On Call, our heartwarming initiative that has been bringing live music to the bedsides of hospitalized patients in the Delaware Valley for 20 years!

Event Details:

When: Sunday, October 18, 8:30 AM
Where: Penn Park or anywhere you fancy (virtual option available)
What: 5k Run or Funky Miler Walk
Why: To uplift spirits with the healing power of music

Why Participate?
This isn't just any run; it's your chance to make a lasting impact. Every step you take helps deliver joy to patients who need it most. Plus, you'll get to:

• After Party: Groove at the after-party with DJ Robert Drake.
• Get Pumped: Warm-up with pre-race yoga.
• Feel the Beat: Enjoy our curated run/walk playlist.
• Earn Some Swag: Score a finisher gift and a commemorative race shirt (sign up by 9/1 to ensure your size).

Your Support Matters
Musicians On Call is back with live, in-person performances, and your support is crucial. The funds you raise help us recruit, train, and onboard new and returning volunteer guides and musicians, ensuring we bring the healing power of music to all nine facilities.

Join the Fun!
Whether you're flying solo, leading a team, or joining one, you'll make a bigger impact together. Rally your friends, family, and co-workers to support this incredible cause.

Registration Fees & Details:

PRICING:

• In-Person Run/Walk: 
  • Early Bird (June 6 - June 19) - $35
  • Advance (June 20 - October 14) - $45
  • On-Site: $60
• Virtual Run/Walk: 
  • Early Bird (June 6 - June 19) - $30
  • Advance (June 20 - October 14) - $40
• Students (at all times):
  • In-Person: $25
  • Virtual: $15

**Register by 9/5 to guarantee your shirt size. Virtual participants can add a shirt for $10.**

Notes for Student Registrants:

• Student Discount: Automatically applied for registrants aged 18 and under. College/university students must enter their student ID during registration.
• Registrants under 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the race.

IMPORTANT: Strollers not permitted except on Funky Miler walking course only. NO DOGS.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Top fundraisers and fastest runners at Penn Park will earn prizes and be recognized for their stellar efforts. Everyone who signs up will have the chance to fundraise individually or as part of a team.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up, start fundraising, and let’s make this the most impactful 5k yet. Every step brings us closer to delivering more smiles and music to those who need it most. 

First-time runner? We’ve got you covered; check out our comprehensive 6-week training guide below (also available for download)!

Welcome back to Team Rave On* in celebration of Andy Katz! 

We appreciate your continuing support and are honored to sponsor WXPN Musicians On Call as they work to transform how music is used to improve the patient, caregiver, health worker — and human — experience.

Our Team Rave On dollars have helped bring bedside and virtual performances, music-making, and community to a growing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Philadelphia area and beyond, delivering joy, hope, and healing to those who need it most.

Let’s continue to rave on together again this year!

- Make a donation to WXPN Musicians On Call as part of Team Rave On. 
- Register with Team Rave On to run, walk, and dance with us at Penn Park on Sunday, October 13, 2024. 

Many thanks in advance! We are proud and humbled to join with you in Andy’s name to spread the healing power of music.

~ Debbie, Aaron, Daniel, and the Katz and Blum Families 

* "Rave On” was one of Andy’s favorite songs, specifically the M. Ward version (though, with a nod to music history and music rights, he would always credit Buddy Holly as the hit-maker). Surely, Andy would want us all – his family, friends, good-karma network, and anyone, anywhere in the midst of a struggle – to open our ears, open our hearts, and rave on.

WXPN 5k USATF Certified Course Map

Funky Miler Course Map

Download the map below for a closer look.

Run / Walk anytime from Sunday, October 6 through 11 am on on Sunday, October 13, 2024

The virtual 5k Run / Funky Miler Walk can take place anywhere in the world you want to go.

Recommendations from runners in our community:

See List of Trails for additional course suggestions throughout our signal areas.

Since 2004, WXPN Musicians On Call has made a difference in the lives of more than 140,000 patients and their families by bringing live music to the bedsides of patients through weekly programs at:

• Bryn Mawr Hospital
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Lankenau Medical Center
• Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
• St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
• The Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Community Living Center
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
• Wilmington Hospital, Christiana Care

WXPN Musicians On Call is the non-profit partnership between WXPN and the successful New York-based Musicians On Call program. Working with the New York office on training and bookings, WXPN calls on its community of local musicians and passionate listeners to deliver the WXPN Musicians On Call services. A groundswell of volunteer support makes these programs possible.

How do I track my results?

You will need an app to track your time and distance. If you don't already have one, check out our suggestions here. Starting October 13 and through 12 pm on October 20 you will be able to upload your results by logging into your profile or coming to this page.

How will I get my t-shirt ?

Your registration gift will be mailed to you, if you registered before the September 1 deadline.

Team Badge Goals & Perks

• Gold Team -  $250+ in donations
  • Earns an on-air team shout-out by Mike Vasilikos
• Platinum Team -  $500+ in donations
  • Earns Gold perks Plus a professional Team photo with Mike Vasilikos taken by our official WXPN 5k photographer at the 10/15 event
• Diamond Team - $1000+ in donations
  • Earns Platinum perks PLUS an Invitation for station tour with Mike Vasilikos

Take your fundraising to the next level!

Are you new to fundraising? Need some new ideas to help you reach and surpass your goal? You've come to the right spot! 

Below are a few easy steps to get your fundraising started!

1.  Personalize your fundraising page.

You can do this by signing into your account with RunSignUp at https://runsignup.com/Login and then go to your Profile by clicking on icon in the upper right hand corner. From your Profile, scroll down to your Fundraising section of your profile. Click "Edit Fundraiser" next to the fundraiser to Manage.

Here you can do things like:

• Add or update your photo
• Create a slideshow for your page - Click here to learn how!
• Tell your story of why you are participating
• Set your goal
• If you make changes, don't forget to click on "Save Fundraiser Changes".

2.  Make a personal gift

Kick start your fundraising and lead by example by making a personal gift. Others will also be more likely to give if they see that you have too!

3.  Ask, and ask again!

Starting from the time you register for the WXPN 5k Run for Musicians On Call until the fundraising deadline, ask your family, friends, co-workers and others in your network for support as you run, or walk ,to help bring the healing power of music. Consider for their support you with a specific dollar amount such as $20, $50, $100. Every dollar counts and makes a difference!

To find your custom fundraising URL and see what your sharing options are, you will need to be signed into RunSignUp. While signed in, scroll down to your Fundraising section of your profile. Here you will find your personalized fundraising URL.

If you are currently editing your fundraiser, or viewing donations, then you can simply click on the “Links/Sharing” button on the left frame main menu, and this will allow you to view the Fundraiser Sharing Options page.

From this page, you can:

• Share you custom URL on social media including Facebook and Twitter
• Copy and paste your custom URL for your fundraising outreach emails

4.  Utilize social media

Post on social media to get the word out and encourage family and friends - in Philadelphia, across the country, and around the world to join the 5k Run for Musicians On Call!

• Use the event hashtag #XPNMOC5k in your posts
• Tag WXPN on Facebook (@885wxpn) and Instagram (@wxpnfm) in your post.
• Tag Musicians On Call on Facebook (@musiciansoncall) and Instagram (@MusiciansonCall)
• Don't forget to make your post public!

Leading up to the run/walk, here are some post ideas:

• Share your personal story or reason why you are participating in the 5k Run for Musicians On Call
• Share what Musicians On Call means to you
• Share photos or videos of your team t-shirts and signs
• Share photos or videos of yourself training for the run/walk
• Share photos or videos of your team members
• Encourage others to participate in 5k Run Musicians On Call by sharing the event website

5.  Send a note by mail!

Not everyone is on social media or regularly checks email. Consider sending handwritten letters to ask family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others in your network to donate in support of your efforts. If you receive donations of cash or check, please mail to:

WXPN
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Please enclose a note describing the individual or team that the donations should be credited to.

6.  Start or join a team!

Teams are a fun way to bring people together. Recruit your friends, family, and co-workers to join you in your efforts to help music to the people who need it most – hospital patients. Team members also provide great support to help each other achieve individual goals, and through their collective fundraising, teams make a bigger impact!

7.  Consider a company matching gift program. 

Many employers have a matching gift program and will match charitable donations made by their employees. Each company has its own approach to charitable giving, so please be sure to confirm matching gift program guidelines directly with your employer. If your company does not have a formal matching gift program, ask your company to match each dollar that you and your team members collectively fundraise. This is a great way to double your impact! 

8.  Don't forget to update your network, and thank them!

Thank you notes are SO important! Make sure to thank people who are making donations in a timely manner (for example: don't wait until the event is over). Remember to also share updates on your progress with your supporters.

Other Creative Fundraising Ideas:

You've jumpstarted your fundraising by following the steps above - now it's time to get creative! Here are some ideas to help you grow your impact.

1. Birthday donations

In lieu of a gift for your birthday, ask your friends and family to make a donation to support your efforts to fight pediatric cancer and fund hope. 

2. Host a fundraising event!

Get creative with ways to raise awareness and inspire others to donate to a cause you care about by hosting something! Host lemonade stand. Host a bake sale. Host online karaoke. Host online bingo. Host a trivia night. 

3. Host a benefit night at a local restaurant.

Check in with your favorite local restaurants. Many places already have programs in place to help you fundraise at their establishment. The restaurant may not be open to inside dining, but remember this could work for online ordering and take out as well!

4. Organize a dress down day/casual Fridays/spirit day at work.

Select a certain day and allow employees to pay $5 on that day to dress casually/in favorite sports team apparel, etc. 

Here's a quick look at how to manage and share your WXPN 5k Run for Musicians On Call fundraiser page.

For more information, visit the RunSignUp help page.

Manage Registration:

• Resend Confirmation Email
• Reset Your RunSignUp Password
• Edit Your Participant Information

Donations / Fundraisers:  

• Make A Donation
• Becoming A Fundraiser
• Create/Join A Fundraiser Team
• Manage/Access Your Fundraiser
• Manage/Access Your Fundraiser Team
  
  

What you need to know!

PACKET PICKUP

• Pick up bibs and race shirts between 1 pm - 7 pm on Friday, October 11 at the upstairs lobby at WXPN/World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
• Race Bibs can also be picked up on race day between 7:00 am and 8:00 am at Penn Park entrance on Lower 31st Street.
• If you are picking up a packet for another registered person, please have a copy of their ID and their event confirmation email.
• If you registered at the student rate and are age 18 or older, please bring your student ID when picking up your bib.

RACE DAY DETAILS

• PRE-RACE Yoga Warm-up at 8:00 am
• RACE START is at 8:30 am
• COMPLIMENTARY snacks will be available post-race for registered participants.
• Course details: Runners will line up in the front, walkers in the back. Please keep to the right side of the course at all times as this is an out-and-back course.
  • See the USATF 5k and Funky Miler course maps HERE
• Strollers not permitted except on Funky Miler walking course only. NO DOGS.
• Location: Penn Park (3100 Lower Walnut Street)
  • Note: Lower 31st Street will be closed for this event.

The 5k Run for Musicians on Call course is USATF-Certified! 

AFTER PARTY

Join us for a post-race celebration with DJ Robert Drake! Featuring coffee and pastries available for purchase, giveaways, face painting, lawn games, activities for children of all ages, and more! 

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

• Public transportation is recommended. (It is an easy two-block walk from 30th & Market Streets.) There is street parking available in the area (Market, Chestnut, and Walnut Streets).
• Other parking options include the Cira South Garage (129 S 30th), and the Penn Park lot (adjacent to the course, has limited capacity available starting at 6am).

FUNDRAISING BADGES

Gold Team -  $250+ in donations:

• Earns an on-air team shout-out by Mike Vasilikos

Platinum Team -  $500+ in donations:

• Earns Gold perks Plus a professional Team photo with Mike Vasilikos taken by our official WXPN 5k photographer at the 10/13 event

Diamond Team - $1000+ in donations

• Earns Platinum perks PLUS an Invitation for station tour with Mike Vasilikos

WXPN Musicians On Call brought a virtual concert to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), featuring Jess and Holly from indie-pop duo Lucius! The "Turn It Around” singers performed two brand new songs and two classic tracks and chatted with caregivers in between songs. 

DJ Robert Drake curated this 80s themed playlist to keep you moving during your walk or run. Check out Mike Vasilikos' weekly training tune picks here.

Although we're not together in person, we've created a video to help you launch your run or walk. Cue it up once you arrive at your chosen course and Kerri Hanlon of Yoga Home will lead you through a 15 minute pre-race stretch. Then Lauren Hart will inspire you with her beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Have a great race!

We're excited to have you join us for the WXPN 5k Run! Over the next few months, Mike Vasilikos will share weekly training tips in our new series, 'Quick Tips with Mike' to help you prepare. Check out the playlist below as we release a new tip each week!

Week 1 Tip: Start Slow and Build Gradually

Mike's Advice:

If you're new to running, start with a mix of running and walking. Aim for 20-30 minutes of exercise three times a week. Gradually increase the running intervals while decreasing the walking intervals.

Why Start Slow?

Starting slow helps prevent injuries and allows your body to adjust to the new activity. It also makes the process more enjoyable and sustainable, helping you build a habit without overwhelming yourself.

How to Mix Running and Walking:

1. Warm-Up: Begin with a 5-minute brisk walk to warm up your muscles.
2. Intervals: Alternate between 1 minute of running and 2 minutes of walking. As you get more comfortable, increase the running time and decrease the walking time.
3. Cool Down: Finish with a 5-minute walk to cool down.

Progression Plan:

• Week 1: 1 minute running / 2 minutes walking
• Week 2: 2 minutes running / 2 minutes walking
• Week 3: 3 minutes running / 1.5 minutes walking
• Week 4: 4 minutes running / 1 minute walking
• Week 5: 5 minutes running / 1 minute walking

Week 2 Tip: Set Realistic Goals

Mike's Advice: 

You will need a way to measure your time and distance for your walk or run. There are a number of apps that you can use to easily track your distance and time on your smartphone. Here are some suggestions to check out: 

Once you've completed your official run or walk, you can upload results to your profile or by going here.

Helen Leicht hosts the WXPN Virtual 5k for Musicians On Call Celebration featuring AMOS LEE.

All registered runners and walkers receive access to this exclusive concert performance on Saturday, October 3 at 6 pm. 

A Philadelphia native and long-time champion of Musicians On Call, Amos Lee has been an XPN-favorite for nearly two decades. Enjoy this intimate concert event in celebration of YOU and the healing power of music.

Amos Lee is featured in this video about the importance of WXPN Musicians On Call. 

Ready, Set, Go!

The Submit Virtual Results form on the website is now open for virtual participants! You have until 12 PM on Sunday, October 13 to upload your results.

How to Upload Your Run or Walk Results:

• Determine the time it took to complete the course. There are several free apps that can help you with this. See our app recommendations.
• Go here to input your results (you will need to be logged into the site). 
• Complete the required fields then hit "Submit Activity."
• Upload your photos to the race site and share them on your social pages with the hashtag #XPN5K

You'll find more details on submitting results here. 

The deadline to submit results is Sunday, October 13 at 12 PM.

Helpful info for your run/walk:

• Course Suggestions. If you haven't yet picked your final course, take a look at some of these recommendations from XPN Staff and volunteers.
• Pre-race Video. Enjoy a nice yoga stretch from Yoga Home co-founder Kerri Hanlon and a beautiful performance from Lauren Hart singing the national anthem.
• Music. See the 5k training playlist curated by Mike V himself!

Best of luck and have fun!

Volunteering for the WXPN 5k is a great way to support the healing power of music! We are looking for volunteers to support the 5K Run pre-race packet distribution on Friday, 10/13 and race-day operations on Sunday, 10/15. Available race-day volunteer positions include setup, packet pick up, course monitoring, water station, and more. 

Interested in volunteering? Get more information and register your interest with our team by completing the form here.

It’s no secret that music can help you feel better. That’s why WXPN Musicians On Call brings music to the people who need it most – hospital patients.

WXPN Musicians On Call brings live music to the bedsides of patients in nine area hospitals throughout our region. Drawing on WXPN's strong relationship with the local music community, volunteer musicians led by volunteer guides began providing in-room, bedside performances for patients and their caregivers in Delaware Valley hospitals in 2004.

In 2020, Musicians On Call took its programs virtual in order to reach patients and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 2023, volunteer guides and musicians are returning to live in-person performances at several facilities, with more scheduled to return this summer and fall. The funds you raise will go directly to supporting the recruiting, training, and onboarding of new and returning volunteer guides and musicians and is crucial to delivering the healing power of music to all nine facilities.

Musicians On Call Offerings:

• In-person and Virtual Bedside Performances connecting volunteer musicians and guides with hospital-bound patients.
• Spanish Virtual Program offering a 30-minute live performance led by Spanish-speaking volunteers. 
• Music Pharmacies consisting of tablets equipped with streaming services and top-of-the-line headphones ready for patient use
• #MOCheals Playlists offered to patients and caregivers to provide soothing and uplifting music whenever they need it.

Photos courtesy of Musicians On Call