IBX Employee Celebrates 30 Years of Broad Street Run

Kathy Albanese has been a fixture at the finish line of Philadelphia's iconic 10-mile race since 1996.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and motion of runners crossing the Broad Street Run finish line, with vibrant splashes of red, blue, and yellow.Kathy Albanese's three decades of service at the Broad Street Run finish line reflect the race's growth and Philadelphia's evolving fitness culture.Philadelphia Today

Kathy Albanese, a corporate relations executive at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), has been a fixture at the finish line of the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia for the past 30 years. The Broad Street Run has grown from around 1,000 participants in its early days to over 40,000 runners today, making it the largest 10-mile road race in the nation. Albanese has witnessed the race's transformation and takes great pride in her role of holding the finish line tape for the winners each spring.

Why it matters

The Broad Street Run is a beloved Philadelphia tradition that has become a symbol of the city's commitment to health and fitness. Albanese's three decades of service at the event highlight the race's growth and the increased focus on wellness in the region over the past three decades.

The details

Kathy Albanese has worked for Independence Blue Cross (IBX) for 30 years and has been a fixture at the Broad Street Run finish line during that time. She takes great pride in her role of holding the finish line tape for the winners of the 10-mile race each spring. The Broad Street Run has grown significantly over the years, expanding from around 1,000 participants in its early days to over 40,000 runners today, making it the largest 10-mile road race in the country.

  • The Broad Street Run began in the 1970s with around 1,000 participants.
  • The race has grown to over 40,000 runners today.
  • Kathy Albanese has been part of the Broad Street Run for the past 30 years, since 1996.

The players

Kathy Albanese

A corporate relations executive at Independence Blue Cross (IBX) who has been a fixture at the finish line of the Broad Street Run for the past 30 years.

Independence Blue Cross (IBX)

The health insurance company that sponsors the Broad Street Run and employs Kathy Albanese.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thirty years is a really, really long time. Not many people stay with something so long.”

— Kathy Albanese, Corporate Relations Executive, Independence Blue Cross

“It's so rewarding because I'm the person holding the finish-line tape for the winners. It's exhilarating.”

— Kathy Albanese, Corporate Relations Executive, Independence Blue Cross

“I don't think 30 years ago people took their health as seriously as they do now.”

— Kathy Albanese, Corporate Relations Executive, Independence Blue Cross

What’s next

Kathy Albanese will be back at the finish line of the Broad Street Run on May 3, 2026 to continue her 30-year tradition of cheering on runners and holding the finish line tape.

The takeaway

Kathy Albanese's three decades of service at the Broad Street Run highlight the growth and increased popularity of the event, as well as the broader trend of greater focus on health and fitness in the Philadelphia region over the past 30 years.