Iconic Broad Street Run Draws 40,000 to Celebrate Philadelphia Tradition and Community

On Sunday, May 3, the City of Brotherly Love welcomed more than 40,000 runners for the 47th annual Broad Street Run, Philadelphia’s iconic 10-mile race.

Maddie, who lives in the Philadelphia area, attended the race for the first time this year.
“I’m here to support my brother and one of my closest friends,” she said. “They’ve both been training for months. This is my first time coming to the race.”

The Broad Street Run began in 1980 as a way to promote fitness throughout the city. That first year, just 1,576 runners participated — 1,454 men and 122 women.

Over the decades, the race has grown dramatically in both size and meaning. Today, it is the largest 10-mile race in the United States. This event has also become a major platform for charitable giving, with many participants raising money for causes close to their hearts, especially cancer research.

Tara, a longtime fan of the race, came out this year to support her daughter.
“I’m here cheering on my 23-year-old daughter,” she said. “This is her first time running it. I’ve run the Broad Street Run three times myself.”

This year’s Broad Street Run showed that the race is more than just crossing a finish line. It’s a reflection of Philadelphia itself. Its energy and spirit are contagious.