A greased pole competition is coming to Spruce Street Harbor Park this summer

Greased pole climbers, are you ready for a new challenge?

In Philly, climbers typically use their legs and arms to shimmy up a vertical pole (typically a light post). But the upcoming Red Bull Championship Run invites climbers to sprint along a diagonal greased telephone pole at Spruce Street Harbor Park on July 27. . Participants must use their speed and balance to snatch the flag at the end of the pole.

Philadelphians are no strangers to greased poles, with the Italian Market Festival’s annual climbing competition bringing out the best of the best. Fans celebrating sports victories and special occasions also climb the poles — yes, we’re looking at you, Eagles fans.

“It’s so befitting of how we celebrate, how we go to the extreme, and the kind of fan base we are,” Michele Gambino, Italian Market Festival producer, told The Inquirer. “It’s like ‘The pole is there, why not go up?’”

Up to 100 athletes can participate in the run. On July 27, check-in will be from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Spruce Street Harbor Park (301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.), followed by a briefing, DJ set, and the national anthem. Participants will gather at The Estuary at the Sea Philly Docks (215 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd) at 5:15 p.m. for the main competition.

Runners will sprint along the pole to grab the flag in multiple rounds, with the pole re-greased for every 20 participants. The fastest participant will be crowned the winner of the Red Bull Championship Run. If no one gets the flag, the fastest participant to travel the furthest will win.

The awards ceremony will be at 7:30 p.m. Prizes will be announced closer to the event.

Interest in capturing the flag on a greased pole? Register for the run online for $29. Be prepared to answer some personal questions — the form will ask you to share your favorite Philly sports moment and team.

📅 July 27, 5 p.m., 📍Spruce Harbor Park: 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 redbull.com