For 33 years, the City of Philadelphia has closed Broad Street from Somerville Avenue in Fern Rock all the way to the Navy Yard for the 10-mile Broad Street Run. The event is a chance for runners from all over the country to compete for a title and take in the sights of the diverse neighborhoods linked together by one of Philly's main thoroughfares. But 29-year-old barista Matt Fisher isn't your typical contestant. For the classical vocal major with a knack for latte art, running is something reserved for his more athletically inclined roommates. But when a friend forfeited a spot in the race, he opted to be the replacement. With one pair of running shoes and a history of bad knees, Matt proves that the best goal a runner can have is simply proving your own capability. I caught up with him at Shot Tower, where he serves up coffee and espresso to the residents of Queen Village.

City Paper: Are you prepared for the run in terms of equipment?

Matt Fisher: In February 2010 I bought some ... serious running shoes. I think I used them a total of four times. But at the time, it felt like a big-deal purchase. Anyway, a year later I was thinking “Well, I have these shoes, I should just do the Broad Street Run" ... It's a long run but it doesn't have that stigma of like “ooh this is ... a marathon” It seemed like it would be a good race for both the serious runner — somebody who wants to win — and the person who's like “I wanna get in shape. This is a cool Philadelphia experience.”

CP: So when your friend gave up the tickets, you thought "this is my calling?"

MF: Pretty much. My roommate is a runner, so I went downstairs and said “do you think it's possible for me to get up to 10 miles in five to six weeks?” She mentioned how it's slightly downhill so gravity will be working with me. And that pretty much sold me.

CP: Is there a mantra that you find yourself saying as you're training?

MF: I keep reminding myself before I go for a run that I don't necessarily enjoy it. I just know it's good for me, so I just say “I gotta do this.”

CP: Wait a second, you don't like running?

MF: Well, it's more like I'm doing it for the event itself, you know. I have several friends doing the run, so I'm looking forward to the community aspect of it.

CP: Give me three words on what it takes to do the Broad Street Run

MF: "Follow through." I know that's two words, but let's make it one. And "enjoyment" — if I can get to a point of enjoyment, that would really help me.

CP: I see that you're wearing a track jacket. Is that in honor of becoming a runner or is it just your style?

MF: Oh no. My brother got this when he was a freshman in college and for some reason he called it the pimp jacket. Somehow it got passed on to me. Actually, that same brother bought me a running shirt. After I bought my shoes, he said “oh, you bought the shoes, I'll buy you the shirt.” It was a birthday present — a thoughtful gift — and I felt bad that I didn't use it. So for the run I'm prepared. I have the clothes and everything. It's just, the running ...

The Broad Street Run starts Sun., May 6, 8:30 a.m., Broad Street to Navy Yard, broadstreetrun.com.