They came, they ran, they conquered Broad Street

If there is anything that’s going inspire someone to get off the couch, put down the remote and start living life to its fullest, it’s watching 27,000 people run 10 miles down Broad Street on one of the rainiest days of the year. In addition to the runners, there were thousands of spectators cheering them on while hundreds of volunteers stood by handing out water and juice. That was the scene this past weekend during the 30th annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run: one giant inspiration spanning from North Philadelphia all the way to the Navy Yard.

But it wasn’t only the masses that made such an impact on one’s conscience; it also was the miscellany of the runners. In the two-hour period while standing on the corner of Broad & Walnut Streets in front of the Bellevue, I witnessed everything from the seasoned athletes zipping by at mesmerizing speeds, to the mentally or physically disabled keeping an impressive pace, to mothers and fathers pushing infants in strollers, to seniors in steady jog making a ripple of the cliché, “Man, I hope I’m that fit when I’m their age” travel through the crowd. I began to regret not bringing a pair of running shoes so I could join the party.

While anxiously waiting for friends and loved ones to race by so I could shout my split-second cheer of “Go! Go! Go!,” something else hit me, aside from the persistent rain and mist on my face – this race is a symbol for which the city of Philadelphia stands: diversity in age, sex, race and physical stature; gritty, nothing-comes-easy motivation; and the masses coming together for one common goal. It was almost as if Billy Penn was looking down from his perch in admiration, as the tens of thousands ran beneath him, half way to the finish line.

So I end on this thought, for all those who didn’t run, and something any Philadelphia sports fan can relate to…there’s always next year.