Philadelphia Hosts World's Shortest Running Event

Have you ever found yourself envious of all those races runners participate in, but are unwilling to actually run? Then Philadelphia (which, it should be noted, is the 14th-fattest city in the U.S.) has just the event for you.

On February 6, the Philly 0.0 Instant Gratification Run will charge participants $35 to literally step from a start line over a finish line. The men's and women's winners are chosen by lottery, and event participants are given all the schwag that runners at races usually get, like a t-shirt and post-race food. The entry bib is your proof of admittance to the after-party.

Don't have the energy to get to leave your house? The Philly 0.0 also has a $28 "Virtual Participant" category. I assume your shirt is mailed to you so you can show all your friends proof of the non-race you didn't even go to.

"Race" director Todd Strauss told Philly.com the inspiration for the event came from the desire to throw a running-themed party during a time of year when few races are offered. (He did not explain why he didn't just throw a race.) "It is all about having fun and keeping the spirit of the race," he said as his city continues to grow more obese by the minute.

Photo: JayneandD/ Flickr