Amber Zimmerman sets sights on IBX Broad Street Run three-peat

Philadelphia runner aims to win the 10-mile race for the third consecutive year.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:27pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a runner in motion, with sharp geometric planes in vibrant colors conveying the energy and dynamism of the Broad Street Run.A runner's determined stride during the iconic Broad Street Run captures the competitive spirit of Philadelphia's racing community.Philadelphia Today

Amber Zimmerman, a Philadelphia-based runner, is training intensively to defend her title at the upcoming Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run. Zimmerman won the 10-mile race in the past two years and is determined to make it a three-peat. She runs up to 15 miles daily and considers the Broad Street Run her favorite 10-mile event due to the iconic course and enthusiastic crowds.

Why it matters

The Broad Street Run is one of Philadelphia's most popular and prestigious running events, attracting thousands of participants from across the region. Zimmerman's quest for a three-peat victory would cement her status as one of the city's top distance runners and inspire other local athletes to push their limits.

The details

Zimmerman, a scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, has been living in Philadelphia for the past five years and has taken advantage of the city's vibrant running scene. She runs up to 15 miles daily and considers the Broad Street Run her favorite 10-mile event due to the iconic course and enthusiastic crowds. Zimmerman plans to defend her title on May 3 and has advice for first-time runners, suggesting they should be a little undertrained but not injured going into the race to handle the downhill start.

  • Zimmerman won the Broad Street Run in the past two years.
  • The 2026 Broad Street Run is scheduled for May 3.

The players

Amber Zimmerman

A Philadelphia-based runner who has won the Broad Street Run for the past two years and is training intensively to defend her title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just don't feel right if I don't run. That's really what makes me feel like myself and feel alive. It's a habit I've built over so long, and once you have that, you can't really stop.”

— Amber Zimmerman

“The 10 miles for me is probably my favorite distance. And this is the best 10 miler I've run. Straight shot. It's really cool. You get to run past City Hall, and the whole Philly Broad Street line is awesome. The course is really cool. The crowd is amazing.”

— Amber Zimmerman

“It's better to be a little undertrained and not injured going into this race. You gotta get a little but of pounding on your legs to handle the downhill start. It's easy after that.”

— Amber Zimmerman

What’s next

Zimmerman will compete in the 2026 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run on May 3, where she will attempt to win the race for the third consecutive year.

The takeaway

Amber Zimmerman's quest for a three-peat victory at the Broad Street Run highlights the competitive spirit and dedication of Philadelphia's running community. Her success could inspire other local athletes to push their limits and strive for greatness in the city's vibrant racing scene.