PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For the first time since the pandemic began, the Love Run Philadelphia returned to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
11,000 runners participated in a 7.6K run and a half marathon, raising $230,000 for Legacy of Hope, an area charity that provides food and basic necessities to cancer patients and their families.
Spectators urged on runners, waving signs, taking pictures and shouting encouragement with all their might. Holding signs that read "My mom rocks" and "Go Mimi and Mom," Ryan and his family cheered for his mother and grandmother, who ran the half marathon.
"My mom has been training a lot," said Ryan. "She ran almost everyday on our treadmill."
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Kate Fitzpatrick, of Blue Bell, was pleased with her performance in her very first half marathon.
"I did know if I was going to run it, because I had an injury," she admitted, adding the run's return was a good sign that COVID-19 vaccinations were working.
Runners Mike and Abdul were two of many who enjoyed the scenery. "It didn't even really feel like we were in the same city we usually commute through. It was like getting a new perspective running through the city," said Mike.
"And the energy," Abdul chimed in. "It can definitely improve a pace." Both men said they did better than expected.
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Rosa Nedd of Central Jersey and her two daughters ran together. "I pace myself. I know my limits... I think," said Nedd.
Her daughter Sheranee said she felt great, and admired how well her mom ran. "I just hope I'm moving as quick as she is when I get to her age," she said.
Distance runs may be back, but are there any pandemic changes we want to keep?
