PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thousands of runners took to the streets of South Philadelphia Sunday morning for the 15th annual Phillies Charities 5K.
In 2005, John St. Omer was diagnosed with cancer, which led him to take up running as a hobby.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something other than sit there and mope,” he said.
St. Omer has been cancer-free for several years now, but he continues to run. On Sunday, he competed in his second Phillies Charities 5K, alongside the doctor who treated him and his best friend.
“Each time I cross the finish line it’s a joy,” he said.
That joy St. Omer felt also extended to the thousands who benefit from Phillies Charities, the primary beneficiary of the run, which starts and finishes at Citizens Bank Park.
Michael Resnic, of the nonprofit organization Clothes Pin, was at the 5K, where participants not only ran to raise money for the charity but also gave away dozens of shoes. The nonprofits mission is simple.
“Taking the old shoes that runners have worn out and collect them and bring them to shelters around the city,” said Resnic.
Mary Ann Moyer, Phillies director of community initiatives, said that in addition to supporting a good cause, race participants also receive four tickets to a game in April.
“They love running, they love being healthy so it’s so great to have everybody out here,” she said.
First-place finishers receive a Phillies Charities 5K Louisville Slugger bat and will be recognized before a Phillies game.
The first Phillies home game is Monday, March 31st.