Mary Farina – Philadelphia, PA
The Blue Cross Broad Street Run was my first race. It was also my motivation to stay a runner. It wasn’t easy. In fact, I swore I’d never do it again! But this year I have to run, because the biggest challenge of my life has been losing people that I love to cancer. I lost my best friend and love of my life, Paulie, in February to lung cancer. I started training when he was diagnosed and now more than ever I have to run. Running gives me a positive spin on a very hard and devastating loss. I encourage anyone who has lost someone to this horrendous disease to walk, jog or run. When you cross the finish line something will happen inside you. You will be full of love and pride that cannot be measured.
I am also running for my father, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2005. He had robotic surgery and has been cancer free for one year. My father has an amazing outlook on his life and my life would be profoundly different without him. I am grateful to have him as a pillar of strength. Once I pass the finish line and he is there, it will all be worth it. I wish Paulie could be there too. In my heart I know he will be. He always is. My run is for Paul Abbruzzi 02/12/75 - 02/06/07 and Joseph Farina, prostate cancer survivor!
Stories Posted on 3/21/2007
Tom Gailey – Ambler, PA
For me, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run signifies the unofficial start of summer. Those training runs squeezed in during nasty weather are history. This becomes crystal clear when I see thousands of runners of every shape and size tightening their laces one last time, hopefully under a beautiful 60-degree sun, that Sunday morning. So as I listen to the National Anthem and slowly make my way to the starting line, I’m thinking about running my race and celebrating the start of summer, just a little bit early.
Stories Posted on 3/20/2007
JulieAnne Sherwood – Philadelphia, PA
I love the Blue Cross Broad Street Run because it pushes me to get back outside from the cold winter and get ready for the wonderfully warm running months of the spring and summer. There is so much great energy at the start of the race.
The enthusiasm of the race is contagious. Friends, family, and well-wishers line the street cheering. High school bands play their hearts out for hours. The support really helps you push yourself harder.
I love Philadelphia. Broad Street has some great landmarks, each one signifying a different era of Philadelphia history and marks a milestone in the race. Approaching City Hall is a great feeling... the halfway point!
The Navy Yard is one of my favorite Philly landmarks. My dad used to work on the ships when I was a little kid. Running the final half mile into the Navy Yard always reminds me of when we would visit my dad at work and he would let us board those massive boats. So, even though my legs are crying and my body is tired, I always smile with my memories as I approach the finish line.
Robert Heiler – Philadelphia, PA
Here’s a sight I’ll never forget: A virtual sea of bobbing heads as thousands of runners set off down Broad Street. Pacing myself those first few miles was hard, given the excitement of the moment and the roar of the crowd. It’s great to see people from every walk of life unified for a common cause – getting to the finish line in one piece! Broad Street is the first organized 10-miler I ever accomplished, so it will hold a special place in my running heart. It’s been a number of years since I ran this distance, but I’m back in training and hope to once again be among those bobbing heads on May 6th.
Jodie Kirsch – New York, NY
Running the Blue Cross Broad Street Run was something I had always wanted to do, but never thought I could accomplish. I had been running for years, but only a few miles, a few days a week. Last year, I was ready to accept the challenge.
Race morning was clear and brisk, but by race time the sun was bright and the heat of the crowd’s excitement warmed the air. I could not believe I was actually going to do this! During the run, I was thrilled to see hundreds of fans lining the streets to cheer us on. People even set up lawn chairs to watch. In every way, the people of Philadelphia are a part of this race.
When I saw the Philadelphia stadiums in the horizon, I knew I was almost there. Crossing the finish line I couldn’t believe I had actually achieved my goal. That one race inspired me to later complete a half marathon, and even a full marathon. Thanks to the Blue Cross Broad Street Run, I gained the confidence I needed to call myself a true runner.
