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Broad Street Run; deadly double shooting in Philadelphia | Good Day Weekend
The 47th annual Broad Street Run kicked off in Philadelphia early Sunday morning, hours after a deadly double shooting took place in Southwest Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA - The streets of Philadelphia belonged to the runners today as 40,000 people took part in the annual Broad Street Run. From North Philly to the final finish line at the Navy Yard, the city was alive with energy, community, and personal triumphs.
For many participants, the 10-mile trek was about more than just a personal best — it was about the experience.
"It was a good run, it’s a great day for it," said one runner at the finish line. "We had a lot of fun out there."
Bananas and crowd support
What they're saying:
That sense of fun was amplified by a group known as the "Running Bananas," a collection of friends who prioritized group spirit over race times.
"Our goal was to run together as a friend group and have fun," said David, one of the costumed runners. "I’m glad to hear that the people around us were also able to have fun as well."
Beyond the costumes, the legendary Philly crowd provided the necessary fuel for those hitting the wall. Runners credited the spectators for their record-breaking paces.
"The energy is great at this race, it really keeps you going," said Carter Heerema of Bloomingdale. First-timer Tre’Quan Smith of West Philly echoed that sentiment, noting that the "Philly culture" helped him push through the toughest miles.
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Man runs Broad Street Run in honor of friend who recently passed
FOX 29's Greg Payne spoke to a man who ran Philadelphia's Broad Street Run to honor his best friend who died this past March. He said he wanted to carry him across the finish line.
Running for a reason
Dig deeper:
While the atmosphere was celebratory, the inspiration behind the run was deeply personal for many. As thousands crossed the finish line at the Navy Yard, emotions ran high.
Smith shared that every mile was dedicated to mental health advocacy following the loss of his brother to suicide. "I’m just trying to give everybody a reminder that every mile is a reminder that we can keep going," said Smith.
Blake Griffin of Gladwyn carried a physical tribute with him, in honor of a friend who died of a brain tumor earlier this year.
"I just decided it was my honor to run in his honor," Griffin said. "I just wanted to carry him across mentally, but just so happens he didn’t make it, so I was able to carry him physically."
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Broad Street Run race weekend kicks off with bib pickup
The annual Broad Street Run is on Sunday, May 3. But Friday was bib pickup at the Philadelphia Convention Center
Test of mind and body
Why you should care:
Whether running for a cause, a lost loved one, or the simple joy of the sport, the Broad Street Run remains a testament to the city's resilience.
It serves as an annual reminder that with the right motivation, the human spirit can achieve anything it puts its mind — and legs — to.
The Source: Information from this article was sourced from reporting by FOX 29 Philadelphia.