Philadelphia, PA – The sun shone and the temperature was perfect for nearly 36,000 people who crossed the finish line for the 36th annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run, the nation’s largest 10-miler, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross (Independence).
Ethiopian runners Haile Mengesha, winner of the men’s division with a time of 47:53:58, and Tagist Jabore, winner the women’s division with a time of 53:34:35, triumphed at the run. 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 Thomas Young of Fort Lee, N.J. with a time of 50:22:03, and Esther Erb, an assistant track coach at Rider University, with a time of 55:56:78. They each received a $500 prize.
“We are excited to see record crowds at the race this year, including more than 12,000Independence members,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence president and CEO. “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.” Independence has sponsored the race for the past 19 years.
Taking second and third places in the men’s division were Jaouad El Jazouli with a time of 48:38:28 and Diriba Degefa with a time of 48:57:51. In the women’s division, Askale Merachi captured second place with a time of 53:39:77 and Meseret Taye took third place with a time of 54:46:97. Second place finishers each win $1,500 and the prize for third place is $1,000.
Tony Nogueira, of Glen Ridge, N.J. was the first-place men’s finisher in the wheelchair race with a time of 38:01:66 and Chelsea Crystzer came in first among the women with a time of 51:32:41.
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 insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve 9.5 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. 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, 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
215-241-4645 (office)
215-667-9537 (cell)
Ruth.Stoolman@ibx.com