March 23, 2017
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
Larry Powell, left, and Fred Druding Jr. are neck-and-neck with the SEPTA Route 21 bus as they cross 34th and Chestnut streets.
Runners gathered at the corner of 40th and Chestnut streets on Wednesday to race SEPTA's Route 21 bus down Chestnut Street. Despite the blustery and cold weather, about 25 participants raced about three miles to Second and Chestnut streets.
The annual race, now in its third year, was put together by the Clean Air Council, SEPTA and West Philly Runners. Its purpose is to give runners a chance to test their speed in preparation for the 2017 Run for Clean Air race, which will take place Sunday, April 9.
Twenty-three participants reached the finish line before the bus, and two arrived within seconds. Below is a series of photos from before, during and after the rush-hour race.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceParticipants in the Clean Air Council's 'Race the Bus 3.0' move toward the starting line at 40th and Chestnut streets minutes before the start of the race.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceMoments before the start of the race, Fred Druding Jr. of South Philadelphia is confident that he will beat the bus for the third year in a row. 3 miles later, Drudling Jr. crossed the finish line well before the bus.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceRunners wait for the SEPTA Route 21 bus to depart from the 40th and Chestnut bus stop, signaling the start of the race to Second and Chestnut streets.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceMichael Murphy, left, was one of about two dozen runners attempting to 'Race the Bus' a total of 38 city blocks, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceA runner crosses 34th and Chestnut Wednesday, attempting to 'Race the Bus' to Second and Chestnut streets.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceLeading the race, Sergiy Chepyshev crosses over the Schuylkill River on Chestnut Street, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Chepyshev crossed the finish line first out of the 25 runners participating.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceSergiy Chepyshev approaches the intersection of 18th and Chestnut streets.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceCeasar Bautista passes in front of Boyds on Chestnut Street, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceDespite the blustery afternoon weather, runners' spirits were high as they passed through Center City, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceJulia Quintavalle, in blue, and Casey Plasker, right, cross Broad Street well ahead of the SEPTA Route 21 bus.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceWaiting at the finish line were supporters of the runners, but also some who supported 'Team Bus.'
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoiceThe group of runners poses at the finish line of 'Race the Bus 3.0,' which ended at Second and Chestnut streets.
