PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Runners and their supporters took over the Ben Franklin Parkway and surrounding streets on Sunday morning as they participated in the Philadelphia Distance Run half marathon and 5k.
Kenny Hayward and his friend Don were two of the weekend warriors up early on Sunday to take on the course.
“I didn’t really want to do this one,” Hayward said. “He talked me into doing it, so I’m out here.”
His goal? Just get it done. Kenny and Don also brought some supporters to join the droves supporting racers like themselves through the run.
Matt Corbett was at the race to cheer on runners alongside his crew from the November Project, a longtime exercise group founded in Boston, but with branches all over the country, including Philly.
“We have a bubble gun, we have a water gun, we have a megaphone, we have cowbells. We have a bunch of signs,” he said. “Runners like to be connected with in different ways. Some people are head down just zone through. Other people are doing it more for fun, they like to be interacted with, yelled at, stuff like that.”
Jesse Mell with Mad Beatz Philly provides the soundtrack for the day to motivate the thousands of runners.
“We’re here to perform,” said Mell. “We were asked by Philadelphia Distance Run to play our drum line beats for the race to get all the racers excited about finishing the race and keeping up their pace.”
He said it’s always fun motivating people to finish the race and reach their goals, no matter if its for competition or fun.
The Philadelphia Distance Run began in 1978 and is one of the fastest half marathons in the world. Seven half marathon records have been set throughout its history.