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Press Releases
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Press ReleaseRecord-breaking turnout for the Blue Cross Broad Street RunPhiladelphia, PA - May 5, 2008 - The 29th Annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run broke participation records yesterday as thousands of enthusiastic runners took to the streets for the 10-mile race beginning at Broad and Somerville Streets and ending at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Some 22,064 registered for this year’s race and 19,111 runners — the race’s largest number ever — crossed the finish line Sunday. This year’s winners were Philiph Koech in the men's division with a time of 46 minutes 22 seconds, and Jane Murage in the women’s race, who finished in 54 minutes 15 seconds. Since it began in 1980 with nearly 1,600 runners, the race, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross and organized by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, has become the second largest 10-miler in the nation, behind the annual Army Ten-Miler in Washington. The top male and female winners each received a $1,500 prize and an etched glass trophy, and will have their names added to the Independence Cup, a silver trophy engraved with the names of winners from the past 28 years. “The Blue Cross Broad Street Run inspires thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds and athletic abilities to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Joseph A. Frick, Independence Blue Cross president and chief executive officer, and a first-time participant in the race. “Our mission is to help our members stay well and we applaud the drive, courage, and commitment to good health shown by every runner today, including more than 5,000 of our own members.” “I’m excited that the Blue Cross Broad Street Run keeps getting bigger and better each year,” said Jim Marino, Race Director from the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. “Along with the world-class athletes that compete, record numbers of area runners participated this year, and people continually tell us this is their favorite race of the year. We’re proud that the event has become such a beloved Philadelphia tradition.” The race benefits the American Cancer Society. All donations and pledge money goes to cancer research and patient care. Taking second and third places in the men’s division were Joel Melly with a time of 47:59 and Macharia Yuot with a time of 48:02. In the women’s division, Caroline Chepkorir captured second place with a time of 55:48 and Abby Dean took third place with a time of 58:38. Brian Seimann, of Clarksburg, NJ was the first place men’s finisher in the wheelchair race, with a time of 42:14; and Chelsea Crytzer led the women with a time of 55:16. Tony Nogueira of Glen Ridge, NJ won the Master Wheelchair division with a time of 33:52, a new course record. About the Blue Cross Broad Street Run About Independence Blue Cross |