Phillies Charities 5K: Thousands Run for Cancer Awareness

Nearly 7,000 people participated in the Phillies Charities 5K on Saturday, March 21. The sold-out, community-driven race, held outside Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia, helped raise funds for local organizations in partnership with Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Marking its 16th year, the race took participants around the ballpark area, Xfinity Mobile Arena, and the Navy Yard. Proceeds from registration supported grants to local community groups.

The Phillie Phanatic kicked off the race, and the Phillies Ballgirls handed out medals to the winners.

CBS Philadelphia spoke with one of the runners, Jenn Kaliser of Bucks County, who participated in the American Cancer Society's Team Determination. Kaliser is currently battling cancer.

"There's so much energy for a race," Kaliser said in a statement shared with CBS Philadelphia. "I've been walking a lot post my surgery and during chemotherapy. ... The excitement of everyone getting ready to run or walk, it feels good. My brain stops focusing on my cancer and on my treatments and on the long road I still have ahead of me."

Matt Gillette, a 34-year-old from Allentown, Pennsylvania, was the top men's finisher with a time of 15:05. Whitney Heydenreich of Danville, Pennsylvania, was the women's top finisher with a time of 18:27.

The Phillies' regular season begins Thursday, March 26, with a home game against the Texas Rangers.