Personal fulfillment, supporting charities motivation for Broad Street runners

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Poncho proud - people packed North Broad Street for an 8 a.m. start to the 37th annual Broad Street Run.

In the rain...

"I'm trying to make the best of it and ignore the fact that its raining and freezing," Jena Driscoll of Washington Township, NJ said.

Race director Jim Marino says mother nature provided an added obstacle to the 10-mile course.

"They're well aware it's going to be slippery going down Broad Street so they're going to be cautious - nobody is going to try to set a personal record today. I think they'll be out here for the excitement of the race." Marino said.

Allen Strickland of North Philadelphia said, "Thursday the week of the race - I get excited on Thursday, my insides start turning I can't wait."

Strickland says the rain didn't damper his spirits - in fact he likes the weather and he loves this race.

"To see 40K people running down Broad Street to the navy yard is really cool."

In addition to the tens of thousands of runners out here in the rain, people lined the sidelines to cheer on these runners with their umbrellas, ponchos and all.

Armed with bright signs, smiles and a mission -- Team CMMD of West Chester is raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Kathy Burke-Howe with Team CMMD said, "We have 1600 people on our team -- 300 are running Broad Street - nobody backed out.

"We've raised over $270,000 this year alone."

Despite the mental and physical challenges of the race...

"Mile 6ish when you just want it to be over and still have 4 more miles to go," Cate Kassekert said.

The personal fulfillment that comes with crossing the finish line and - in many cases - supporting charities is priceless.