Posted February 9, 2017

Hundreds of runners hit the streets of Northeast Philadelphia on Saturday, Feb. 4 for a 5K race at St. Anselm Church in support of the parish’s high school youth group. Between 300 and 400 runners take part in the annual “19154 5K Run,” with 336 competing in this year’s event. Proceeds benefit teen parishioners by offsetting costs of events such as the annual Steubenville youth retreat, paintball games and trips to see the Philadelphia Flyers. The funds raised in the race help ensure that “money is never an issue for kids who can’t afford to go — everybody can go,” said Father Mark Cavara, the parochial vicar at St. Anselm’s who helps parishioners organize the race. His predecessor at the parish, Father David Friel, launched the race five years ago and returned this year to run in it — despite temperatures around 30 degrees. (Photos by Matthew Gambino)

  • Runners warm up before the race and review its course in the St. Anselm parish hall.

  • Children got into the action by racing in a 1K run before the start of the main race.

  • For some runners it was a cold morning, around 30 degrees. For others, it was just another sunny day in Northeast Philadelphia.

  • Mom and baby completed the course in good spirits.

  • Hundreds of runners gather on Dunks Ferry Road in the city’s Parkwood section at the race’s starting line.

  • And they’re off — the first runners begin this year’s 19154 5K Race.

  • After the race, Father David Friel shares a bottle of well-earned water and conversation with a fellow runner.

  • St. Anselm volunteers greet race finishers with bottles of water.

  • The parish hall welcomed all the runners and guests before and after the race.

  • Volunteers hand out refreshments to all the race participants.

  • Father Mark Cavara, right, chats with friends after the race in the parish hall.

  • A father and his son (left) who ran in the race, enjoy time together and with fellow parishioners.