Runners race amid patriotic symbols

Fueled by patriotism and an increased sense of unity, over 8,000 runners competed in yesterday's 24th annual Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run. Organizers decided to hold the race in response to an overwhelming desire by participants to send a message that terrorism cannot prevail.

In fact, this year's race, which benefits the hospital, was one of the fastest yet, as winner Ronald Mogaka crossed the finish line in 1:01:.25.

"The attacks were on my mind the whole way," said Michael Cox of Princeton, W. Va., who came in ninth. "I dedicated [my race] to the victims -- they were hurting more than myself, so I just kept pushing."

Before the starting gun went off, a moment of silence was held for two runners who were in the World Trade Center when it collapsed and are presumed dead.

As the runners started the 13.1-mile race, which began at ninth and Market and ended at John F. Kennedy Plaza, they were serenaded by "God Bless America." Flags waved in the crowd and in the hands of some runners, who carried them throughout the race.

"This was the first time that I've ever heard weeping on a starting line," said Misti Demko of Hershey, Pa. "It shook me up, but I was glad to be in the crowd."

The number of runners in this year's race was the largest yet. Over the weekend alone, an additional 1,100 people registered for the race.

Regardless of the Distance Run's success, the decision to hold the race after Tuesday's crisis was a difficult one.

"Our first question was, `Can we go ahead with the race?'" race director Mark Stewart said. "Once we ensured that there would be enough police and medical support, the next question was, `Should we go on?'"

Stewart's question was answered after receiving more than 50 e-mails from runners, all displaying sympathy for the lives lost in the attacks. But their message was clear: People wanted to run and not let terrorists dictate the race.

"We hope that the image of athletes of many races, religious beliefs and nationalities standing together at the start of the race will make a statement for what our sport stands for and send the right message to counter the horror of the week," Stewart said in a statement.

The race volunteers were just as willing to help out with the race as the runners were to compete; in fact, the addition of American Red Cross members who collected relief funds and encouraged people to donate blood contributed to the substantial turnout.

"[The race committee] was just adamant that this run wasn't going to stop," said volunteer Chuck Sacka, coordinator of academic services for student athletes at Saint Joseph's University. "I can tell by people's reactions today that they are enjoying [helping out] -- it's an opportunity for people to do something constructive with their energy."

The runners headed north of Kelley Drive to Falls Bridge, and then looped back to finish at JFK Plaza. The last stretch down flag-lined JFK Boulevard was especially poignant, as the international symbols above echoed the togetherness of the participants.

"It's a different race than it would have been," said Jefferson Hospital President and CEO Tom Lewis, who was on the board for this year's Distance Run. "It's more than just a race -- more so than any other year."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.