PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More than 2,000 runners showed up to the starting line in South Philly, despite the rain, for the Phillies Charities 5K.
Runners made their way along a more than 3-mile route that started at Citizens Bank Park and took them through the Philadelphia Navy Yard before finishing back at the stadium.
The event went on, despite the pouring rain. One runner, Jinesh from Broomall, thought about sitting it out, but said his friends wouldn’t let him quit.
“We’ve just been kinda egging each other on. I was first thinking of backing out but then my friends were like, “You better not back out, you better not back out,” so we’re just hyping each other up,” said Jinesh, who also plans to participate in Sunday’s Love Run half marathon.
“This is also just a warm-up for the Love Run too, so [I’m] just kind of getting in that running mindset.”
Mike Dougherty, from Springfield, Delaware, said the rain kept things interesting. “It adds a different element to just running in the sunshine every day. It’s a good spring day,” he said.
Much like Jinesh’s group, Dougherty also wouldn’t let his friends back out. “I told them they’re all quitters if they don’t come in today and we’re not quitters.”
The weather forced organizers to cancel the post-race cool down lap where people could walk around the warning track on the field.
All of it was for a good cause, with the money raised going to the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization, which awards grants to various charities.
That’s part of the reason Phillies fan Zach took part in the run. The other reason was to challenge himself.
“I’ll be honest, I just had weight loss surgery in July as well so I’m down 120 pounds,” he shared. “This was a great way to test my fitness, support a good cause and get ready for the Phillies season.”
Everyone who finished the 5K received a medal, but the top overall male and female finishers received a commemorative Louisville Slugger baseball bat. They’ll also be recognized on the field prior to a Phillies home game.