The popular race attracted nearly 28,000 participants for one of the fastest 10 miles in the country.
Erin Blewett for Billy Penn
💌 Do you like Philly? Sign up for Billy Penn’s free newsletter to get everything you need to know about Philadelphia, every day.
Nearly 28,000 runners put on their shoes on Sunday morning to take part in the 42nd Blue Cross Broad Street Run.
Runners filled corrals lined up on Broad and Fisher Avenue in North Philadelphia for the 8 a.m. race start. Over the next two hours, thousands completed the 10-mile trek, crossing the finish line at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex on Pattison Avenue.
Runners had a virtual option this year, although only in-person entrants were eligible for the Excellence Awards and $27,000 in cash prizes.
Competitors of all ages participated, with some even traveling from out of state to compete in
what the Broad Street Run website says is one of the fastest 10 mile courses in the country. It’s not just local fame: Runners World ranks the Broad Street Run as one of the most iconic in the country, noting that it attracts competitors from around the world.
Some runners donned tutus, one dressed as Charlie Chaplin and another cosplayed as Rick Sanchez from Adult Swim’s “Rick & Morty.” A notable number of attendees wore Bryce Harper’s signature Phanatic headband.
Spectators were strongly encouraged to stay home by city health officials as a precaution against COVID-19. This did not prevent several hundred Philadelphians, who moved along the course to encourage their neighbors.
The runners were greeted at the finish line by hundreds of supporters, with family and friends holding up signs, bells, flowers and water – or beer, depending on the mood of the finisher.
Robert Gaitho of Texas took first place overall with a time of 45 minutes and 51 seconds, missing the existing record – and a $1,000 cash bonus – by around 30 seconds. The best time in the history of the 10 miles was achieved in 2007 by Patrick Cheruiyot: 45 minutes, 14 seconds. Sarah Naibe took first place in the women’s race with a time of 52 minutes, 3 seconds.
In addition to title sponsor Independence Blue Cross, the Broad Street Run partners with several nonprofits and charities to help fund their efforts through donations and pledges from runners, including the American Cancer Society, the American Association of Cancer Research, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Students Run Philly Style and Get Back on My Feet.
Scroll down for more photos from the race.
