Runners gather at expo ahead of Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Elite athletes and first-time runners alike lined up to collect their bibs as the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run moved closer to race day.

Friday marked the first day of the run's health and wellness expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where thousands of participants gathered to get their gear.

"It's the one time of the year that I feel like everybody who runs in Philadelphia is all in the same race," said Liz Coda of Fairmount.

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When asked about goals for Sunday, the answers ranged from competitive to carefree.

"Have fun," said Natalia Henry of Center City, drawing laughter and encouragement from Coda, who replied, "That's a good goal, that's a good goal!"

For others, like James Graham from Northeast Philadelphia, simply finishing is the aim.

The Broad Street Run is the largest 10-mile race in the country, with 40,000 runners participating. 6abc is a proud media partner.

The course is also known as one of the quickest.

"I've run it four times and it is not a hilly run and you get to run through all the neighborhoods," said Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.

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The race starts at Central High School at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue and takes runners through North Philadelphia, Fairmount, around City Hall and through South Philadelphia, ending, as it historically has, at the Navy Yard.

"It is a chance to see all of Philadelphia," Slawson said. "The different communities, the different neighborhoods, the different people. You have people coming out that live in those neighborhoods that have never run. But they're standing there supporting, cheering you on."

That community spirit is what brings volunteer Larry Brown of North Philadelphia back year after year.

"Every year I volunteer to see the school kids. They just give me a thrill to see them run," Brown said.

Brown will be handing out water along Broad Street on Sunday, while runners like Thomas Bui of Greenwich Township, New Jersey, race toward the finish line.

"696 we're in the red corral today. We're finishing in under an hour. Let's get it!" Bui said.

You can watch extensive coverage of the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday on 6abc.