PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — On the final hurdle before the official race, athletes lined up at registration tables at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Friday to collect bibs and T-shirts for the 40th annual Broad Street Run.
Runners at the Convention Center claim their bibs for Sunday's Broad Street Run pic.twitter.com/W52exmlczI
— Mike DeNardo (@_MikeDeNardo)
May 3, 2019 Thousands will run Sunday, including Jim Clark from Lansdale, who has run in 14 of them. Over the years, he's watched the event grow each year.
"The size has just gotten unbelievable," he said. "It probably went from under 20,000 to well over 40,000 now. The sea of humanity is overwhelming, but it's exciting."
Runner David Bradley said the run from Broad Street and Somerville Avenue to the Navy Yard has become part of the city's culture.
"Now, it's 40,000 people, but it's still the same great neighborhood feel," he said. "You get to sort of see the city north to south."
Well, sort of.
"I don't really see any of it," exclaimed Gina Conte from Warrington. "All I see is the runners in front of me, and I just look for that finish line."
The @PhilaParking is clearing the way for Sunday's Broad Street Run. pic.twitter.com/GW2mR2tp4B
— Mike DeNardo (@_MikeDeNardo)
May 3, 2019 Although the weather forecast isn't exactly ideal, the runners won't let it affect their experience.
"You can only get so wet, so you might as well just enjoy the moment, right?" added Clark.
Runners and spectators parking at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex are advised to clear out by noon, to make way for the 2 p.m. Phillies and 3:30 p.m. Sixers games.
