Ten thousand runners lined up at 7:30 a.m., all waiting for the sound of a horn to begin the ‘The Love Run Philadelphia’ half marathon on Sunday March 26. The race, which is managed by CGI Racing, both started and finished at the Eakins Oval near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

The race is known for giving back to the community. In the past three years, CGI Racing has donated over 175,000.00  dollars to local charities with money raised by the run. In addition to registration fees, runners were given the option to donate, which was encouraged by CGI Racing. Participants were able to choose to run for certain causes and have people sponsor them during the race. 

The parks in Philadelphia received a portion of each runner’s entry fees. While being able to take part in such a memorable event, runners were able to give back to their community. In return, entrees received a bag of fun merchandise to have as keepsakes and maybe that is why this run is known for being the race that loves you back.

“Running this race motivated me to have a goal to train towards,” junior Kelly McGroarty, who met her personal record this race, said. “Being a part of something that so many people are involved in made this experience even more worthwhile.”

This year’s race path followed along the Schuykill River, historic sites in the city of Philadelphia and West Fairmount Park. For the majority of the course, the runners followed a flat path until they hit a 100 foot elevated hill that began around mile seven and a half and a gradual incline from mile eight to mile nine on Strawberry Mansion Drive. Participants were allowed to walk the race if they chose to do so as long as they met the three and a half hour time limit. 

“The finish was all uphill,” senior Emily O’Toole said. “That was definitely the hardest part.”  

Every year the race has been completely sold out by attendees. Runners had the option to register individually or with a relay team. The relay team allowed runners to run a fraction of the race until their next team member continued running the next distanced leg of the race. 

Individual registration ranged from 90.00 to 119.00 dollars.  The early bird special started at 65.00 dollars and 150 runners were picked by chance to win reduced registration at a half price charge for 32 dollars and 50 cents. A blue long-sleeved dry fit shirt, coffee mug,  vanity bib, finish medal, invitation to a kickoff party, free photos, snack bag at the end of the race, and a beer for a participant of 21 and over to celebrate with at the finish festival were all included in the registration fee. 

With twenty-five thousand steps taken, one bottle of Nesquik finished and a Heat Sheet provided to keep each and every runner warm after crossing the finish line, ‘The Love Run Philadelphia’ was a success for the fourth year in a row.