Run The Bridge November 5th

Author Kristen Herrmann

October 25th, 2023 11:30 AM

I received an e-mail the other day from a woman named Stefanie, who is the Executive Director at the Larc School in Bellmawr, New Jersey. I’d never heard of it. She was writing to ask if we might be able to promote a run and fundraiser coming up next weekend to benefit the Larc School. It’s called Run the Bridge.

The Larc School

The Larc School in Bellmawr, NJ is a school for kids with severe and profound special needs. Stefanie says that her job is tough but very rewarding. I’d never heard of the Larc School, but their website says it’s been, “serving students with developmental disabilities since 1968”. The school was, “created with the sole purpose of providing for the specialized needs of children with disabilities.” It strives “to meet the needs of all students (ages 3-21 years) and adults (21 years and older) and provide opportunities for growth, development, and independence with dignity and respect.” If you haven’t signed up yet knowing all of that, the Larc School is also a non-profit, and all proceeds of the Run the Bridge event will benefit children with special needs.

10k OR 2-Mile Walk

If I can do it, you can too. I have run, but am not a “runner”. I ran the Broad Street Run for the first time last spring, and that 10-mile run was (and remains) the farthest I’ve ever run (in the rain, no less). I’ve (sort of) kept up with running since then, although I am currently quite out of shape for something like this. Yesterday though, I committed to the Run the Bridge 10k. After hearing about this event, and the awesome school it benefits, I had to. I immediately signed up (after first googling “10K to miles” to see exactly what I was getting myself into). It’s a little over 6 miles. For me, it won’t be pretty, but it’s doable. If not a 10k though, there’s a 2-mile walk option too, with the equally cool experience of walking over the Ben Franklin Bridge while it’s closed to vehicle traffic. Such a neat opportunity.

Run the (Ben Franklin) Bridge

We’ve been over this bridge so many times. Just the tolls we’ve dished out to get back into PA could probably fund a college education or two. The Ben Franklin Bridge connects Philadelphia with Camden and countless Pennsylvania shoobies with their summertime shore destinations. And next Sunday, November 5th we’ll have it all to ourselves. This run allows us to run or walk over the Ben Franklin Bridge to benefit a great school and its incredible students. Such a cool idea. I’ve been in bike races that close down the bridge and ride over into Jersey. It’s a beautiful view. I’ve also walked and run the pathway along the bridge many times, but I’ve never walked over the bridge while it’s closed to vehicular traffic. What a cool opportunity.

Run The Bridge Details:

The 10K begins at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge on the New Jersey side, crosses the bridge, doubles back, takes you through the waterfront area, and finishes at Rutgers University – Camden.
You don’t actually have to run. It’s a 10k, but there’s also a 2-mile bridge walk immediately after the start of the run.
The main event is in-person, but there’s a virtual 10k and a virtual 2-mile walk option too.
Bring the whole family. There’s a kids event that takes place during the race.
All proceeds benefit the children with special needs at Larc School.

I’ll be there, and did I mention Jimmy?

Just like BEN FM who employed their long-time “dog jockey” Gloria for 13 years, the Larc School also has a family dog. His name is Jimmy, and he’ll be there (presumably running things) on Sunday.

The Larc Family Dog

Courtesy of the Larc School

Golden Retriever Jimmy was officially “hired” by the Larc School and came to Larc through a partnership with the Guide Dog Foundation.

Jimmy can perform many greetings and tricks and serves as a teacher, a model, a cheerleader, a helper, and, above all, a friend” to students. When not working, Jimmy shares the homes of two staff members at the school.

Kristen Herrmann is the Program Director and Weekday Morning Show Host on BEN FM. She has been a fixture on the radio in Philadelphia since 2005. As a content creator for BEN FM, Kristen specializes in all things Philadelphia, kids, family and favors the quirky stuff.

Why The Phillie Phanatic Would Make A Good Boyfriend

10 Reasons Why The Phillie Phanatic Would Make A Good Boyfriend

The Phillie Phanatic

The Philadelphia Phillies are making headlines in the news during their run in the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They will face off in Game 7 tonight at Citizen’s Bank Park at 8:07 p.m. Check out these photos to get you hyped for tonight’s game! Sure, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are the talk of the town, but we need to talk about the most important player on the team, the Phillie Phanatic. Is he an aardvark? A bird? We can never be too sure, but we do know that he is single!

Dating the Phillie Phanatic would be a wild ride, to say the least. He’s a fun-loving, energetic, and sometimes mischievous mascot who loves to entertain the crowd. He’s also a bit of a celebrity, so dating him would put you in the spotlight.

Where The Phanatic Would Take You On A First Date

The obvious answer is to a Phillies game, but remember, that’s his work! So, what are some other options for a first date with the Phillie Phanatic? He might take you on a walk through the Magic Gardens, Love Park, or Rittenhouse Square. If you get hungry, you can grab some delicious food from Reading Terminal Market or a cheesesteak from Pat’s or Geno’s.

Wherever the Phanatic takes you on a first date, it’s sure to be a memorable experience. He’s a creative and thoughtful planner, and he always chooses a spot that he knows you’ll enjoy. We’re just hoping that he shows up in pants.

No matter what you do, dating the Phillie Phanatic would be an adventure. He’s a unique and special person who would make your life more fun and exciting. Just imagine dating the green, fuzzy giant. Here are 10 reasons why The Phillie Phanatic would make a good boyfriend.

He Will Take You To A Phillies Games
I’m sure the Phanatic runs into this issue a lot when it comes to his dating life. Women might only want to date him for the sweet perks of working for the Philadelphia Phillies, but he’s more than that, ladies!

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
He's Not Afraid of PDA
The Phanatic will not shy away from showing you off to his friends and fans. He loves giving affection to the people he loves.

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
He Gives Back To The Community
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Phanatic are both incredibly charitable. This is a great quality to see in a man. They’re willing to step aside and put others before themselves.

(Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
He'll Never Talk Back To You
Actions will always speak louder than words. That statement has never been truer for the Phillie Phanatic, but that won’t stop him from sticking out his tongue!

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
He's Close With His Mom... But Not Too Close
You love to see a man that values the importance of family. The Phanatic is close with his mom, Phoebe, but not creepy close. She gives him space and they get together for the big events. I’m sure he’s checking up on her too.

(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
He's A Great Dancer
The Phanatic is not afraid to bust a move. He’ll always be the first one out on the floor and the best dancer! That sounds like he would make a great plus one to a wedding.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
He's Friends With Celebrities
From The Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast, Jason Kelce, Meek Mill, Tim McGraw, Miles Teller & more, the Phanatic has the coolest friends. Imagine what his birthday party might look like!

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
He's A Goofball
The Phanatic is a natural comedian. When you’re having a hard day, he’ll do a goofy dance and make a silly dance to make you smile.

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
He Has Great Style
Even though he doesn’t typically wear pants, he is still rocking the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ style outfits. Check out how good he looks in those overalls!

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
He Loves The City Of Philadelphia
If you’re a Philly girl, this is really important to you. Loving Philadelphia means supporting the city’s sports teams no matter what, always being down to get a cheesesteak, and agreeing to late-night Wawa runs.

(Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)