Broad Street Run: 10 Miles, Countless Stories
This weekend, my daughter and I laced up our sneakers and joined over 40,000 runners, joggers, and walkers for the annual Broad Street Run — a 10-mile journey from Philly’s Olney section all the way to the Navy Yard in South Philly. Rain or shine, this iconic race unites people of all ages and paces, not just for the thrill of the run but for a deeper cause.
What makes this event so special isn’t just the route (though it’s pretty scenic) — it’s the heart behind it. The Broad Street Run supports a number of impactful charities, and every step taken helps fuel missions far bigger than personal records.
Charities that benefit from the Broad Street Run include:
American Cancer Society – The largest charity team at the event, raising critical funds for cancer research, patient support, and programs.
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) – Team AACR runners raise money for groundbreaking research, with a $500 fundraising goal tied to entry.
Fairmount Park Conservancy – Working to preserve and improve Philadelphia’s beautiful parks and green spaces.
Students Run Philly Style – A fantastic program that mentors and trains young people through long-distance running.
Back On My Feet – An organization that uses running and community to support those experiencing homelessness and addiction.
As for the run itself — there was a serendipitous moment that really stuck with me. Just under two miles from the finish line, we came across Simone who had a noticeable limp. We slowed down to check in, and she told us her knee was hurting and this was her first-ever run. That’s right — she dove headfirst into a 10-miler.
My daughter, who’s the type of person who never leaves a runner behind, made sure we stayed with Simone all the way across the finish line. It was a small gesture, but it reminded me what this race is really about: community, encouragement, and showing up for each other.
Being proud of my daughter doesn’t even begin to cover it.
