Manayunk Runners Couple Up at Feel the Love 5k

Mr. and Mrs. Pacman, combined with Bryndle the Dog, are calling couples out: Run a 5k for Valentine's Day.

For the sixth straight year, the . will a host the Feel the Love 5k Feb. 11. 

Strollers down Main Street should notice the 5k plugs at the store's Cotton Street location. Images of bulldog Bryndle and Mr. and Mrs. Pacman chasing each other attempt to lure runners to buddy up and race.

"This race is oriented around a couple's run. How the race scoring works is, instead of just posting one time, you are combining a couple's time for the overall result," said Michael Rothermel at the Manayunk store.

The race starts at Coopertown Elementary School in Bryn Mawr, and features two, 1.5 mile-loops around a heart-shaped course. There's an extra leg thrown on to make it 3.1 miles. Rothermel said traffic is minimal, the race is on the road, and there are slight rolling hills.

"There's nothing extraordinary about the course, but it has proven to be a pretty fast course," he said.

Organizers tried to devise different amenities to separate this race from other 5ks.

"Every weekend there's another 5k. They're a dime-a-dozen. So, it's absolutely imperative to have a unique quality... in order to draw attention to the race," he said.

Certainly, there's a couples element, which allows for relatives, significant other or friends to pair up. In addition, the race is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.—to capitalize on the afternoon sun.

"Afternoon races have a lot of appeal and are a little untraditional, because a lot of your 5ks are the first thing in the morning," he said.

Bryn Mawr Running Co. expects about 400 racers for the 2012 event, but organizers hope for more.

"In the winter, a lot of people hold off on entering races to see what the weather is like," said Bob Schwelm, also from the store.

Post-race, all runners get a free pint at in Ardmore, Schwelm said.

Early registration by Feb. 5 saves runners money for the Feb. 11 race. Currently it's $22 a person, with it increasing to $32 after Sunday. People may sign up at the company's three locations in Manayunk, Bryn Mawr and Media, or on their website.