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.

 ! its so cool that people are coming together to support Larc Norcross School and have fun while doing it
! its so cool that people are coming together to support Larc Norcross School and have fun while doing it  . gotta say, dr gealt's tips on hydration and dynamic stretches are super helpful
. gotta say, dr gealt's tips on hydration and dynamic stretches are super helpful  . also, virtual participation options are a great inclusion for those who can't make it in person
. also, virtual participation options are a great inclusion for those who can't make it in person  . lets hope everyone has an amazing time and raises lots of cash for the school
. lets hope everyone has an amazing time and raises lots of cash for the school  !
! it's not just about running or walking, it's about supporting a great cause & being part of a huge community
 it's not just about running or walking, it's about supporting a great cause & being part of a huge community  i mean, 10k is like, whoa, but the virtual option is super cool too if u can't make it in person
 i mean, 10k is like, whoa, but the virtual option is super cool too if u can't make it in person  u get ur own gear in the mail & can finish anytime!
 u get ur own gear in the mail & can finish anytime!  but trust me, it makes a diff. & the best part? u get a medal for finishers
 but trust me, it makes a diff. & the best part? u get a medal for finishers  & swag bag too!
 & swag bag too!  register now & let's crush this bridge together
 register now & let's crush this bridge together 
 . It's amazing how something as simple as running or walking can bring people of all ages and abilities together for a common cause
. It's amazing how something as simple as running or walking can bring people of all ages and abilities together for a common cause  . And let's not forget about the virtual participation option - it's so cool that you can still be part of the action from the comfort of your own home
. And let's not forget about the virtual participation option - it's so cool that you can still be part of the action from the comfort of your own home  ! The fact that there are resources available to help participants prepare and stay healthy is also super helpful
! The fact that there are resources available to help participants prepare and stay healthy is also super helpful  ... like, what's the point if you're just gonna do it at home? It feels like an afterthought. Can't they just make it exclusive to in-person runners? And why are registration prices still open until Nov 1?! Shouldn't that have been cut off months ago to avoid last-minute chaos?
... like, what's the point if you're just gonna do it at home? It feels like an afterthought. Can't they just make it exclusive to in-person runners? And why are registration prices still open until Nov 1?! Shouldn't that have been cut off months ago to avoid last-minute chaos? 
 !
! its like the bridge is takin over philly for the day & everyone's just havin fun
 its like the bridge is takin over philly for the day & everyone's just havin fun  i mean whats not to love about runnin across that iconic span with the city skyline behind u? plus, supportin a great cause dont hurt either
 i mean whats not to love about runnin across that iconic span with the city skyline behind u? plus, supportin a great cause dont hurt either  gotta say tho, im a bit worried bout them ppl doin dynamic stretches 1 day before the event lol what if they overdo it?
 gotta say tho, im a bit worried bout them ppl doin dynamic stretches 1 day before the event lol what if they overdo it?  anywayz gotta give props to dr gealt for keepin it real & helpin us all prep for this epic event
 anywayz gotta give props to dr gealt for keepin it real & helpin us all prep for this epic event  ! It's great to see people coming together for a cause that matters, and I'm sure it'll be an unforgettable experience for all the participants
! It's great to see people coming together for a cause that matters, and I'm sure it'll be an unforgettable experience for all the participants 
 . I mean, who doesn't love running or walking on a bridge with amazing views of the city?
. I mean, who doesn't love running or walking on a bridge with amazing views of the city?  Plus, Dr. Gealt's tips are super helpful, especially for those new to running
 Plus, Dr. Gealt's tips are super helpful, especially for those new to running 
 . It's all about having fun and staying loose, you know?
. It's all about having fun and staying loose, you know?  . The medals and swag bags sound awesome too!
. The medals and swag bags sound awesome too! 

 It's awesome to see people coming together for a great cause like Larc Norcross School. I've been meaning to try out running, and maybe this is just the push I need
 It's awesome to see people coming together for a great cause like Larc Norcross School. I've been meaning to try out running, and maybe this is just the push I need  . The tips from Dr. Gealt sound really helpful - hydration, light breakfasts, and dynamic stretches... got it!
. The tips from Dr. Gealt sound really helpful - hydration, light breakfasts, and dynamic stretches... got it! 
 . The virtual participation option is also super cool - my friend who's not as fit can still participate from the comfort of their own home
. The virtual participation option is also super cool - my friend who's not as fit can still participate from the comfort of their own home  when you hit that turn on the Philly side
 when you hit that turn on the Philly side 
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