Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today.
—
The iconic Broad Street Run – aka the nation’s biggest 10-mile race – is back this Sunday. With more than 40,000 participants and a course that intersects some major roads, there is bound to be a little chaos.
Whether you’re planning to watch or just planning your city commute throughout the day, we’ve got you.
The race starts at 7 a.m. on the Central High School Field grounds at Broad Street and Sommerville Avenue. If you’re up early, you can join in on the action from the very beginning. But if you’re not looking to make the early commute, the race continues down Broad Street and finishes in the Navy Yard.
Where should I watch?
While you can spectate at any point along the street, race officials have several recommendations for cheering spots. These include:
- Temple University at North Broad Street and Montgomery Avenue: This spot is located between miles three and four on the course. The “high-energy” space is located on Temple’s campus, and lets you join others in cheering your loved ones on early on.
- N. Broad Street and Spring Garden Streets: Give some halfway mark encouragement at this popular cheering spot after mile five.
- City Hall at 15th and Market Streets: This spot will be one of the most popular during the race. Join Center City residents (or travel to the easily accessible City Hall subway stations on public transit) to cheer on runners as they push through the second half of their race.
- Kimmel Center at S. Broad and Spruce Streets: Located on the “Avenue of the Arts,” this spot lets you crowd onto the sidewalks to get a look at the participants.
- Ivy Rehab at S. Broad Street, between McKean and Mifflin streets – Join race sponsor Ivy Rehab closer to the end of the race in Passayunk. This spot lets you cheer on runners as they near the finish.
- American Cancer Society at S. Broad and Hartranft Streets – They’re almost done. To see runners push through towards the end, this is a great spot to watch.
To get around on race day, race experts recommend public transit. The Broad Street Line (or B) train is the easiest way to get around on race day.
You can join your loved ones at the finish line at The Navy Yard – where there will be food, music and festivities.
How can I track participants?
To track a friend or loved one, you can use the Broad Street Run website, where you can add an athlete you are looking to track and select options to send alerts to your email or phone. On Sunday, you can live track your participant on this same site as they pass through various splits along the course.
For more detailed information on tracking, you can head to the Broad Street website’s step-by-step tutorial.
How can I get there?
If you plan to take public transit, there are a few notes from SEPTA for spectators and runners.
The first B train of the day leaves NRG station at 4 a.m. Express and local service will head toward the start line. SEPTA recommends runners plan to get on transit early and expect large crowds.
Participants can ride the B train for free through noon. They must show their race bib number to get free entry.
If you’re traveling from outside of the city, SEPTA has several tips depending on where you’re traveling from. You can take the Glenside Combined Line to the Fern Rock Transit Center, and then walk to the start. You can also transfer to the B, and take it one stop to the Olney Transit Center.
Early morning service from Glenside and Jenkintown stations connects runners to the B at Fern Rock Transit Center.
You can find information about Regional Rail departures on SEPTA’s schedule page and use their trip planner to plan your route.
If you’re taking the PATCO from Jersey, SEPTA recommends exiting the PATCO at 12th/13th & Locust Street Station. From there, take the escalator or stairs to the concourse level, exit PATCO’s fare gates and head north on S. 13th Street toward St. James Street, then left on Walnut Street. SEPTA’s Walnut/Locust Station (B line) is on the corner of Broad & Walnut Streets.
You can also utilize the B train to get around the city during race day. You can find more information and plan your trip on SEPTA’s website.
When the race ends, you can take the B to the City Hall station, which connects to Suburban Station and Regional Rail service.
If you plan to take the bus around the city, there are several detours to be aware of. SEPTA bus routes 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48, 53, 54, 56, 60, 61, 63, 64, 68, 71, 75, 79, 81, 82, 124 and 125 will be on detour as early as 5:45 a.m. through about 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
If you plan to drive, the Stadium Complex is your best bet for parking. Runners can park for free. All vehicles need to be removed from their spots at the sports complex by 12 p.m. You can use the B train line from the NRG station to travel north along Broad Street from there.
There will be no parking at FDR Park this year (and the park will be closed to cars all day) and there is no parking near the start area.
If you are a runner who plans to use rideshare to get into the city, you can set your dropoff location to two of the recommended spots:
- Broad Street and Chew Avenue
- Ogontz and Somerville avenues
What road closures/parking restrictions can I expect?
If you’re just trying to navigate the city on Sunday (especially via car), it’s best to avoid Broad Street altogether. But, if you’re planning to have your car around or navigate the city, there are several restrictions to be aware of.
Prior to Sunday, “No Parking” signs will be posted at the start area and along the race course and Broad Street. If your car is parked near here, it is best to move it before Saturday evening, when the City of Philadelphia will begin enforcing “No Parking” restrictions. No parking will be allowed on Broad Street on Sunday, May 3 from Olney Avenue to Navy Yard from 2 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Phased road closures for the race will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Closures for road traffic include:
- Broad Street from Olney Avenue to Windrim Avenue – 4 a.m.
- Broad Street from Windrim Avenue to Erie Avenue – 6:30 a.m.
- Remainder of Broad Street – 7:15 a.m.
These roads will reopen as they are cleaned and serviced. The City expects that these roads will reopen by noon. Motorists are advised to avoid the area altogether if possible, and allow for extra travel time.
For pedestrians, there will also be delays in crossing the streets and roads along the course. Police will control road crossing depending on the flow of race participants.
What will the weather be like?
Although we’re not meteorologists, the latest estimates show good conditions for those racing and spectating.
The current forecast calls for temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s, with mostly sunny skies. You can expect some clouds and sun with some breeze. So, runners may need to bundle up in the morning, but can expect a somewhat sweaty race.
Other information
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s text service will offer text alerts throughout the day. You can sign up for alerts by texting “RUNPHL” to 888-777.
For runners, the Broad Street Run site has detailed information on recommended arrival times, starting placements, facilities and more. You can also check out our chat with this year’s women’s and men’s hopeful champions to get tips on how to handle this race.
The Broad Street Run’s Health & Wellness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be held Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you’re a runner, you’ll need to bring your ID to pick up your tag. Otherwise, family members, friends and visitors are all welcome to explore the expo and all of the goodies there are.
