Thousands of runners and walkers will converge on the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge on Sunday, Nov. 2, for the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge, an event that brings people together to support a worthy cause β Larc Norcross School, which provides specialized education to children with multiple disabilities.
For those preparing to take part in the 10K or 2-mile walk, Dr. David Gealt, assistant director of sports medicine at Cooper University Health Care, offers valuable insights on how to perform well and stay healthy. "Everybody's there to have some fun," he emphasizes. "It's the most important thing." To prepare, Gealt recommends hydrating well throughout the week leading up to the race, eating a light breakfast on race day, and doing dynamic stretches before the start.
As participants cross the bridge, they'll need to navigate its unique terrain, which can be both exhilarating and challenging. "When you make that turn on the Philadelphia side of the bridge, you see thousands of runners coming towards you," Gealt notes. This can be a good spot to pick up the pace slightly, but it's essential to stay loose on the downhill to avoid muscle strain.
For those new to running or planning to participate in future events, Gealt advises starting training well before race week and gradually increasing intensity and distance. "If you think you're going to run a race, you don't want to start training the day before," he says. Instead, begin with small, manageable sessions, alternating between walking and running, and allowing rest days to avoid overtraining.
The event also offers virtual participation options for those who prefer to train at home or have mobility issues that prevent in-person participation. Virtual participants will receive their gear by mail and can complete their distance anytime between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2.
Registration remains open until Nov. 1, with early-bird prices available for both in-person and virtual participants. All registered participants will receive a long-sleeve tech shirt, swag bag, and a medal for finishers. To register or make a donation, visit runthebridge.org.
By participating in the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge, runners and walkers can not only challenge themselves physically but also support a worthy cause that makes a real difference in the lives of children with multiple disabilities.
For those preparing to take part in the 10K or 2-mile walk, Dr. David Gealt, assistant director of sports medicine at Cooper University Health Care, offers valuable insights on how to perform well and stay healthy. "Everybody's there to have some fun," he emphasizes. "It's the most important thing." To prepare, Gealt recommends hydrating well throughout the week leading up to the race, eating a light breakfast on race day, and doing dynamic stretches before the start.
As participants cross the bridge, they'll need to navigate its unique terrain, which can be both exhilarating and challenging. "When you make that turn on the Philadelphia side of the bridge, you see thousands of runners coming towards you," Gealt notes. This can be a good spot to pick up the pace slightly, but it's essential to stay loose on the downhill to avoid muscle strain.
For those new to running or planning to participate in future events, Gealt advises starting training well before race week and gradually increasing intensity and distance. "If you think you're going to run a race, you don't want to start training the day before," he says. Instead, begin with small, manageable sessions, alternating between walking and running, and allowing rest days to avoid overtraining.
The event also offers virtual participation options for those who prefer to train at home or have mobility issues that prevent in-person participation. Virtual participants will receive their gear by mail and can complete their distance anytime between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2.
Registration remains open until Nov. 1, with early-bird prices available for both in-person and virtual participants. All registered participants will receive a long-sleeve tech shirt, swag bag, and a medal for finishers. To register or make a donation, visit runthebridge.org.
By participating in the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge, runners and walkers can not only challenge themselves physically but also support a worthy cause that makes a real difference in the lives of children with multiple disabilities.