Broad Street Run

You know after what just transpired in Boston a few weeks ago, I was a little leery about the Broad Street run ,which this city hosts every year...Especially since some dear friends of mine were set to run in it...But as I write this...Hours after the run's end...I am elated to say that there was no incidents reported....Certainly no tragic terrorist attacks and loss of limbs and life such as the tragic events in Boston recently.

Such are the times we live in...Where you have to be thinking in the back of your mind everytime you go out to a movie, a sporting event, a concert or maybe an outdoor bar or Cantina....Is some nut with an agenda planning something?

Despite that...You have to live your life...You can't retreat to the presumed safety of your homes...You have to live your life....You can't let the terrorists and nut fringe win!

There was certainly evidence today that several people were indeed living their lives....(I was there, as was my wife...Just blocks away at the Green Eggs Cafe (see today's Good Foodie post!-Shameless plug for one of my other blogs!)

The 34th annual Broad Street Run, just three weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings, winds to a close not only without violence but with glory and glee. The race, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, has become more than just a footrace, but a motivation, a milestone, and a celebration.

From North Philadelphia where the 10-mile course began to its finish at the Navy Yard, runners and spectators were obviously happy that the race appears to have gone off without any problems. "That was awesome," said Christy Pegg of Malvern as runners gave the high five to Army Reserve and National Guard at the finish.

 "A different vibe this year." Mayor Michael Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey told reporters there were no security issues or problems so far. "So far, so good," Mayor Nutter said at Broad and Walnut Streets, the six-mile point of the race. "No one has done anything they shouldn't do so far." 

Referring to the helicopters flying overhead, Mayor Nutter added, "We need our eyes in the sky.” He confirmed federal agents are helping. "Everyone has really cooperated well." For the runners - an estimated 40,000 in Philadelphia’s signature race - the run took on many meanings. The top runners are from Ethiopia. The male winner, Ayele Feisha, now of New York finished in 47:03; the top female runner, Askale Merachi who lives in Ethiopia, finished in 53:46.

Thousands wore red socks to show their support for Boston.