On Sunday, March 23, the annual Phillies Charities 5K took place outside Citizens Bank Park as runners braved the cold to compete in this year's event.
The race, which attracts thousands of runners every year, kicked off at 9 a.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. Runners lined up in accordance with their expected race pace, which ranged from six to 13 minutes, with walkers to follow at the back of the line. At the starting line, fans were entertained with live music and appearances from the Phillie Phanatic, Phillies alumni and Ball Girls.
Once the race was underway, runners made their way down to the Navy Yard before coming up Broad Street and ending the race at the same place they started: outside Citizens Bank Park. The 3.1-mile route challenged runners as they faced a downhill and an uphill climb during the course of the race.
Over 4,700 participants show up for Phillies Charities' annual 5K in South Philadelphia
In total, 4,705 runners and walkers competed in this year’s event with Tom Cooke from West Deptford, New Jersey, taking home the top honors.
Cooke finished the race in just 15:03, in a photo finish with Patrick Hally of Wilmington, Delaware coming in second place just three seconds slower. Erica Green of Collingswood, New Jersey, took home the top spot in the women’s division (11th place overall) at 17:49.
Cooke and Green both received a Phillies Charities 5K Louisville Slugger Bat as the top male and female finisher respectively. They will also be honored before a Phillies home game this season. Additionally, a Phillies award will be given to the top runner in each age group. The age groups ranged from 15-19 all the way up to 70+. Each runner that crossed the finish line received a medal after the race where they were greeted by Phillies staff.
For participants, the cost for the race was $55, which, in addition to the run, includes four tickets to a Phillies home game in April, a long-sleeve shirt, a 20 percent off coupon for the New Era Team Store, a personalized bib, and a reusable clear bag. Sponsors of the event included Chick-fil-A, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Independence Blue Cross, The Giant Company and several other local businesses in the area.
Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Phillies Charities, Inc., the charitable arm of the Phillies organization, which "makes gifts to organizations that serve a wide variety of needs, primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and particularly those serving the Greater Philadelphia area and the communities of its minor league affiliates."
Phillies Charities, Inc., raises money annually to award grants to charitable donations in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. The annual 5K is just one of many events that take place every year to raise money and give back to the local community.