Local
Philadelphia police foundation run draws 2,200 after officer’s death
About 2,200 people ran or walked five miles through Philadelphia on Sunday at the eighth annual Market Street Run for Blue. The event honored Officer Shane Seiber, killed in the line of duty a week earlier, and organizers said fundraising was on track to exceed $260,000.
PHILADELPHIA — About 2,200 people took part Sunday in the Philadelphia Police Foundation’s eighth annual Market Street Run for Blue, a five-mile run and walk that honored officers who have died in the line of duty and raised money for police equipment, technology and safety training.
The event began in Old City and followed a course that included Front and Dock streets, Market Street and 23rd Street. Organizers dedicated the final mile to fallen Philadelphia officers.
This year’s gathering came one week after officers Shane Seiber and Hector Rodriguez were shot in an ambush in West Philadelphia. Seiber, 40, died. Rodriguez, 33, was critically injured after being shot 12 times, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who said Rodriguez’s recovery was progressing well.
Bethel joined participants on the course. Reflecting on nearly four decades in policing, he said losses among officers make remembrance an ongoing responsibility, not something confined to a single final mile.
Maureen Rush, president of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, said the event was a way to ensure fallen officers are not forgotten. Participants included people of all ages, including Philadelphia police personnel and families who wore blue in support.
The foundation expected the event to raise more than $260,000. After the race, organizers recognized the fastest runners in each category.