The marathon training schedule said it was time for a 20 mile run.  Sure, I could have done something simple, such as run the Kelly Drive loop and add in a trip to and from Manayunk.  You can do that anytime, though.

It’s March, which means that it’s one of my favorite times of the year with the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Philadelphia has a storied tradition of college basketball, particularly with its six Division I programs in the city or just outside of it (counting Villanova).

So, in honor of March Madness, here’s pictures from today’s 20 mile run by the five Division I college basketball arenas within city limits. I could have also continued onwards for another 6 miles to the Wells Fargo Center, where Villanova plays some of its games, but since Villanova didn’t really show up at the end of the season, I didn’t feel the need to show up there at the end of my run either.

First stop: Temple University – About 2.7 miles up on North Broad Street is the Liancouras Center, home of the Temple Owls.  For today and Tuesday, it is also, temporarily, the host of the NCAA Women’s Basketball East Regional.  Most notable observation today – It must be really safe based on all the police presence all around.

Fifth stop: University of Pennsylvania – Half a mile away from the DAC is the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers.  The building is the most historic in college basketball  history, having hosted more games than any other.  Penn’s basketball team also currently features Denzel Washington’s son.  Most notable observation today – There’s always old Penn alums walking through campus with their families pointing out different things they used to do on campus instead of going to school sporting events.