Highlights from the 33rd Annual Broad Street Run

PHILADELPHIA - May 6, 2012 (WPVI) -- Over 40,000 runners participated in the 33rd annual Broad Street Run on Sunday.

Registration closed after just five hours and with so many participants, the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation made sure everything ran smoothly.

The 10 mile run kicked off at 8:30 a.m from Central High School in Olney.

People from near and far came to run - something race organizers are proud of.

"It's amazing, we have people come from all around the country to be a part of this," said Jim Marino, the race director.

The runners went by many of the city's most famous landmarks including Temple University, around City Hall, the Academy of Fine Arts, the sports complex and ended at the Naval Yard.

The first man to cross the finish line was Henry Rutto. It was his race in the United States.

I started it a little fast. I was attempting the course record but at about five miles it was difficult so I decided to persist," said Rutto.

The women's winner, Esther Erb, took a full minute off her 2011 Broad Street time.

The course is fantastic, its unbeatable," said Erb.

Along the way, according to our own Action News participants, the cheering crowds gave the runners the extra push they needed.

"The weather was perfect. I have to say the fans, the volunteers, the bands along the way were incredible this year," said health reporter Ali Gorman.

Meteorologists Cecily Tynan and Adam Joseph were also in the mix.

"Thank you for all the supporters, the volunteers, the organizers. It's really a great race," said Cecily.

"There were times I wanted to give up. The fans of Philly, the volunteers they push you," said Adam.

At the water station near mile marker seven, the fans and volunteers included some more familiar faces.

"We're having tremendous fun. To hear people say 'thank you Channel 6' is a great feeling. We're happy to be here," said Action News anchor Jim Gardner.

The race consisted of veteran runners and plenty of newcomers. With the cool temperatures, all in all organizers couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

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philadelphia, broad street run, local/state, amy buckman

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