28th Annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run Attracts Record Number of Runners
Philadelphia, PA
May 7, 2007 - Yesterday’s Blue Cross Broad Street Run attracted 17,883 registered runners, with 15,882 crossing the finish line, a record for the annual 10-mile race benefiting the American Cancer Society, race officials said. Patrick Cheruiyot, 21, a native of Kenya, led the men’s division with a time of 45:14; while Naomi Wangui, 28, a native of Kenya, led the women’s division with a time of 53:43.
The race, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross and organized by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, was the 28th annual running of the 10-mile course down Broad Street. It has become the second largest 10-miler in the nation, behind the annual Army Ten-Miler in Washington. The top male and female winners each received a $1,500 prize and an etched glass trophy, and will have their names added to the Independence Cup, a silver trophy engraved with the names of winners from the past 27 years.
“The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is an inspirational event that prompts people of all ages to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which exemplifies Independence Blue Cross’ mission,” said Joseph A. Frick, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. “It’s a wonderful day for the city of Philadelphia, with nearly 16,000 runners from all over the world here this weekend, including more than 5,000 IBC members, and several thousand spectators lining Broad Street and enjoying the festivities near the finish line at the Navy Yard. It’s a great Philadelphia tradition that Independence Blue Cross is proud to sponsor.”
“The Blue Cross Broad Street Run continues to grow in popularity every year,” said Jim Marino, Race Director. “We had a record number of runners come out this year, including everyone from world-class competitors to first-time racers. I couldn’t be happier about the success of this year’s event.”
This year's registration of 17,883 runners with 15,882 completing the race was record-breaking. In 2006, 15,300 individuals registered and 13,549 completed the race.
Taking second and third places in the men’s division were Benson Cheruiyot, 24, with a time of 45:19 and Macharia Yuot, 25, with a time of 47:59. In the women’s division, Olga Romanova, 26, captured second place with a time of 54:14 and Renee Gunning, 25, took third place with a time of 54:28.
Tony Nogueira, 38, of Glen Ridge, N.J., was the first place men’s finisher in the wheelchair race, with a time of 32:05; and Kailtlyn Willard, 17, led the women with a time of 50:01.
About the Blue Cross Broad Street Run
The Blue Cross Broad Street Run, conducted by the Philadelphia Recreation Department with the cooperation of city agencies and more than 60 volunteer groups, is the second largest 10-miler in the country and was run for the 28th straight year this spring. The race is held annually on the first Sunday in May, and the course includes a variety of Philadelphia neighborhoods along Broad Street.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers.
A complete list of all registered runners and finishing times can be accessed at
www.broadstreetrun.com.
these
