Philadelphia Phillies Charities 5K

Kevin & I taking our cool down lap inside the stadium.

     Kevin and I got caught Phillies Phever by running the fifth annual Phillies Charities 5K on April 28.  While we have done races in December, this was by far the coldest 5K ever for us!  Every year this race has sold-out, and finally we were able to get a spot.  The race benefited Phillies Charities, the fundraising arm of the Phillies organization which awards grants to a variety of charitable organizations each year.
     Picking up our bibs the night before, we arrived at Citizens Bank Park around 7:15 a.m.  We definitely needed to get down there earlier, because the exit off I-95 was gridlock and for some insane reason the Phillies organization only opened up one parking lot.  Overly worried that we would not get there before the roads closed at 7:45 a.m., I was relieved when we finally arrived at the lot on Darien Street.     

Kevin "attempts" to catch a home run.

     After making it to the starting line with about five minutes to go, we heard the gun and 5,000 runners made a right onto Darien Street and then another right at Pattison Ave.  It was freezing cold, but the Phanatic was there to give out high five to the runners as we made our way by.
     Making a left into FDR Park, it was difficult at first to navigate our way around the numerous water-filled potholes lining the narrow roadway.  But the crowd was energetic and nearly everyone was wearing some sort of Phillies red or blue T-shirts.  It was a great way to see the park, which I usually only visit for tailgate parties. 
     Passing the two-mile marker near the pond, we headed back out to Pattison before turning left onto Broad Street.  Veering right at Phillies Drive, there was a slight hill as we were cheered on by former Phillies pitcher Tommy Greene.  With just a little more effort, we crossed the finish line with a time of 31:46.  After the runners finished and received their medals, we were able to enter the stadium for a cool-down lap around the warning track.  Afterwards, we headed to the box office to turn in our vouchers for two free tickets to two games.    
      Grading on the route, ease and cost of registration (which was most expensive 5K I've ever done at $50), T-shirt appeal and the overall fun factor I give this race four sneakers out of five.