Thousands of runners prepare for Broad Street Run

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- More than 40,000 runners are preparing for the Broad Street run this weekend in Philadelphia.

Music and excitement filled the air at the Runners Expo as thousands of runners picked up their bibs, packets and T-shirts for Sunday's Blue Cross Broad Street Run.

For Brittani Adams, this will be her 1st Broad Street Run.

"I'm just ready, I wish it were today," she said.

For others, its become tradition.

"I just love it. Running down Broad Street, running through the different neighborhoods," said Will Jordan from Mt. Airy.

"It's really fun. I like how there are fans along the way, cheering stations at every mile. That's my favorite part," said Temple university student Melissa Kurman.

Some runners, like Jen Croneberger, are running for charity. Team CMMD has raised more than $250,000 to help local families battling cancer.

"For us, its about the people we are running for, putting an end to cancer, having more birthdays," she said.

Ross Martinson of Philadelphia Runner is a former elite runner. We asked him for some last minute tips runners can do to prepare over the weekend.

Number one - drink water!

"If you stay hydrated going into it, you'll feel a lot better on race day," said Martinson.

He also says with over 40,000 runners expected, plan on getting to the starting line early.

As for food, the day before and morning of, Martinson suggests to "really just something you know is good for your body, good for your stomach."

And while you shouldn't make any big changes to your regimen before Sunday, Martinson says wicking or breathable socks are worth it, as is anti-chaffing balm.

"If a sports bra has ever given you chaffing, if u get blisters on your feet, guys on your chest, this stuff is amazing," he says.

Some other runners also shared their advice for race day.

"Definitely hydrate. Its might be up to 78 (degrees) so definitely hydrate," said Tom Biglin of Moscow, Pennsylvania.

And runner Lucia Michel adds, "Its so easy to get caught up in adrenaline but if u go out too fast and hit a wall - ten miles is a long run if you go out too hard."