Philadelphia, PA – After severe storms just a few days before, 40,000 runners enjoyed a cool, dry morning yesterday for the start of the 35th annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run, the nation’s largest 10-miler, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross (Independence).
Mourad Marofit took the men’s division with a time of 47:06:28. Bertukan Feyisa Germame led the women with 55:25:10. The top winners each received a $3,000 prize and will have their names added to the Independence Cup, a silver trophy engraved with the names of winners from the past three decades.
The first American male and female finishers were Andrew Weaver of Newark, Del. with a time of 49:56, and Crystal Burnick of Collegeville, PA with a time of 58:31. They each received a $500 prize.
“We are excited to see record crowds at the race this year, including more than 11,000 Independence members,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence president and CEO. “As the title sponsor of the race for the past 18 years, it gives us great pleasure to see the race continue to be one of the most popular running events in the region and so many people embracing a healthy lifestyle through running.”
Taking second and third places in the men’s division were Ayele Megersa Feisa with a time of 47:51:29 and Haile Tegegn with a time of 48:18:29. In the women’s division, Tsehay Getiso captured second place with a time of 55:39:25 and Askale Merachi took third place with a time of 56:17:96. Second place finishers each win $1,500 and the prize for third place is $1,000.
Tony Noguieira was the first-place men’s finisher in the wheelchair race with a time of 39:09:02 and Chelsea Crystzer came in first among the women with a time of 55:52:48.
“We couldn’t do this race without the support of all our sponsors, including our lead sponsor Independence Blue Cross, as well as the thousands of volunteers who are an invaluable part of the event,” said Jim Marino, race director from the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation. “We’re also grateful for all the friends, family, and race fans who line Broad Street each and every year to cheer the runners. From the Rocky theme motivating runners at the start to the funny spectator signs entertaining racers all along the route, these are just a few of the things that make this race uniquely Philadelphia.”
About the Blue Cross Broad Street Run
The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is managed by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department with the cooperation of city agencies and more than 90 volunteer groups. The race is held the first Sunday in May, and the course goes through or near various Philadelphia neighborhoods along Broad Street. The race raises funds for the American Cancer Society. Visit the race website at Blue Cross Broad Street Run.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 8.2 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia. For more than 75 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we’re changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Media contact
Ruth Stoolman
215-241-4807
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com