Running uphill for a good cause and a cold beer: Meet the Philly Bridge Runners

“That sunset on the way back,” said Mary Anna Rodabaugh, “you’re cheering the whole way down into Philly."

Runners tackle the cardio-challenging Ben Franklin Bridge -- and get a magnificent sunset view as a reward.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

Published May 2, 2019, 5:00 a.m. ET

There’s a high that hits, when you’re running on the pedestrian pathway of the Ben Franklin Bridge and crest the span’s midpoint on the way into Philadelphia: The skyline peeks through the bridge’s steel arches, as if to greet you.

“That sunset ...,” runner Mary Anna Rodabaugh says with a sigh. "You’re cheesin’ [smiling] the whole way down into Philly. It’s like your gift, and you’re like, ‘I live here!’ ”

Rodabaugh, 31, had never run the bridge when she showed up on its Philly side for the first time four years ago. Now she’s a regular with the Philly Bridge Runners, whose springtime mission is as simple as it is sweet: Run the 3.75 miles from Philly to Camden and back every Tuesday evening for six weeks, raising money each time for a different charitable running club.

Philadelphia is a runner’s town. If it’s a nice spring weekend, chances are there’s a road closed for a race near Kelly Drive, a sea of joggers on the Schuylkill River Trail, and someone wearing a tinfoil blanket and a medal at the local brunch spot. Philly even hosts an annual Mayor’s Cup race in which runners of every ability compete in five cross-country, trail, or road races around the city in a single day. The event swells bigger every year — nearly 40 groups were represented last year.

Still, if you’re new to the area, how do you access one of those groups? Or if you want to run for a charity, how do you find a club whose cause you’d happily sweat for?

Six years ago, those questions were on the mind of Carl Ewald, who had long organized large races in Center City and wanted to use his network of running contacts for good.

“I’m not famous and I’m not powerful, but I’ve got a big list of runners because I plan races — that’s my gig," says Ewald, a local attorney.

Thus was born the Bridge Running and Happy Hour Training Program. For a $30 registration fee, which is split among selected running charities, participants meet every Tuesday in the six weeks prior to the Broad Street Run. (Tackling the Ben was a unique way to trick people into doing hills, says Ewald: “Running over a bridge sounds a lot sexier than running hills.”)

After traversing the Ben together, they gather for free beer at a bar to hear get-to-know-us pitches from two different running clubs – one social, one charitable. A hat is passed, connections are made, and — boom — the city’s running infrastructure gets a little stronger. Since the group’s inception, says Ewald, the Bridge Runners have raised more than $20,000 for running nonprofits.

On this particular Tuesday evening, the South Philly Striders club is featured along with the Monster Milers, whose members run with foster dogs to both give them exercise and tucker them out (which helps calm the pups, hopefully rendering them more adoptable).

“Most of the dogs spend most of their day inside a kennel or a small room," explains Monster Milers’ Rebecca Baranowski, to audible awwws from listeners. "They get a little crazy, especially the pit mixes – a 15-minute walk just isn’t enough. We get them out, then return them happy and pooped.”

The Bridge Runners have also raised money for Students Run Philly Style, which connects students to running; Back on My Feet, a partnership of runners and those struggling with homelessness; and Achilles, which pairs blind runners with guide runners.

“Running is free,” says Rebecca Kreck, of Wenonah, Gloucester County, shortly before starting her bridge ascent. “You don’t need to pay to run, so doing it for a good cause, it’s something that feels good.”

There’s also some connection, most participants agree, with the runner’s mentality of pushing past a wall or toward a personal best time and a desire to support people trying to get over the humps of life obstacles.

This night’s run brings out about 50 people. A father and son race up the bridge. Ladies from the Mullica Hill triathlon club chat about upcoming races. A trio of couples talk about architecture and their young kids.

Some are pushing hard and sprinting uphill, chasing personal records. Others are just after a peaceful evening to themselves, an opportunity to think about that day at work, the weekend ahead, or nothing at all. Still others are here for the friendship, the exercise and the free beer.

Whatever the pace or purpose, the group’s members cheer each other on.

The night always ends at Dave & Busters where, brews in hand, the Bridge Runners catch up on life and discuss their fitness goals.

“I’m training for old age,” says Bill Simila, who is 54.

“Me," says Kelly Gibb Piasecki of Center City, "I’m just trying to get to the bar without dying.”

» READ MORE: Am I ready for the Broad Street Run?