Broad Street Run is now virtual!
Countdown to start the virtual Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10-Miler
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Due to the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, the City of Philadelphia with input from the Philadelphia Health Department has decided to transition the 2020 Blue Cross Broad Street Run, rescheduled for October 4, 2020 to a virtual event. This decision was made with the health and safety of our entire running community in mind including all race participants, spectators, volunteers, staff, and the many partners and community organizations that support this event.
All participants who were registered for the in-person 2020 Blue Cross Broad Street Run will be automatically enrolled in our virtual 2020 Blue Cross Broad Street Run and will receive:
- The official 2020 Blue Cross Broad Street Run race tech shirt
- The official Blue Cross Broad Street Run finisher’s medal
- Guaranteed entry into the 2021 Blue Cross Broad Street Run without having to enter the lottery
- A 20% discount on the 2021 registration fee
In addition, all participants will receive at no additional cost:
- A Blue Cross Broad Street Run buff
- Blue Cross Broad Street Run hand sanitizer
- A printable digital bib and a printable finisher’s certificate
- A donation on behalf of all race participants to the American Cancer Society, Back on My Feet, Students Run Philly Style, American Association for Cancer Research, and the Fairmount Park Conservancy
- NBC10 and Telemundo62 will air a virtual Blue Cross Broad Street Run special on October 4 featuring runners who participate in the virtual run.
While this decision weighs heavily upon us, the health and well-being of our running community is of the utmost importance. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to continuing in-person races as soon as safely possible.
Please see our FAQs below for additional information about the virtual race, and answers to other questions you may have.
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race allows you to run or walk the race distance at your own pace and at a time and location of your choosing. Since we are unable to have an in-person race, this option will allow those who have been training to complete the ten-mile distance and be rewarded for their efforts with an official race shirt and medal.
Will I need to run on a set course, or can I make one up?
You can choose your own route for the virtual race. It is not our intention for all runners to run the normal course because it would be unsafe since runners might not be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines. In addition, Broad Street will not be shut down for traffic at any point. Making the race virtual allows runners to participate no matter where they live.
When do I need to complete the virtual race by?
You can choose your own race day any time between September 12 and September 28, 2020.
How do I sign up for the virtual race?
You don’t have to sign up for the virtual race.
All participants will be transferred to the virtual event, including those who deferred their 2020 entry.
All runners will be guaranteed a spot in the 2021 race.
However, you will still have to pay an entry fee in 2021 even though you will be guaranteed entry. The 2021 entry fee will be discounted by 20%.
How will I receive my race packet if the Expo is also canceled?
We will mail your race packet to the address you provided during registration. Your race packet will also include your official race shirt, medal, a face wrap, and hand sanitizer.
We are planning to mail these prior to the race so that you can wear them proudly on your race day. Shipments will begin in mid-August.
We will also email you instructions for downloadable race items prior to September 7. These include a race bib and a customizable finisher certificate.
Please note: If you paid to have your race packet mailed to you, you will receive a $20.00 fee refund. You can expect to receive the race packet mailing refund by end of July.
Can I still run the actual racecourse on October 4?
We strongly discourage runners from using our actual course as the streets will be open to traffic and there will be no police or runner support along the course. Plus, it will be unsafe and harder to follow social distancing guidelines.
Do I need to use my phone, running watch, or another device to record my virtual run?
You can use any device to record your run and time. After your run, you may log into your RunSignUp profile to submit your results. We ask that you be honest with your race time.
Don’t forget to take a picture of yourself at your “finish line,” and post it to social media using #BCBSR20 so the Blue Cross Broad Street Run community can share your accomplishment.
Will the medal and shirt be the same for the virtual race and the postponed race?
Yes, the shirt and medal you receive for your virtual race will be the same as they would have been for the in-person race.
Will there be awards for the virtual race?
We will not offer awards for the 2020 race, as results are based on an honor system.
If I didn’t get into the 2020 race, can I register for the virtual run?
Unfortunately, we are not accepting additional registrants as those who are registered will be guaranteed entry bypassing the 2021 lottery.
Do I need to complete ten miles to receive a medal?
No, we will mail your race packet out to you prior to the virtual race time period. Your race packet will include your medal. But we encourage you to complete your 10 miles between September 12 and September 28, 2020.
Will I still receive my T-shirt?
Yes, your official race T-shirt will be included in your race packet, which we will mail to you prior to the virtual race time period. We encourage you to wear your official race T-shirt when you run your ten miles.
Can I still defer my spot to 2021?
All participants will have guaranteed entry into the 2021 race. You do not need to take any action to defer to 2021. Please note that although your entry is guaranteed, you will still need to pay the race fee for the 2021 race at registration with a 20% discount.
Will I still be charged a fee in 2021 if I defer my spot to 2021?
Yes, you will still be charged an entry fee to the 2021 race at registration with a 20% discount, but your spot will be guaranteed.
Will I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we can’t offer runners a refund. We understand how the pandemic has impacted runners and your investment in races. However, there were certain fixed costs (e.g. shirts, medals, contract fulfillment and signage) that were made months in advance of the race, and these costs are unrecoverable. We appreciate your understanding of the position we are in and our need to follow our “no refund” policy that was included in your registration materials.
Will there be TV coverage of the Blue Cross Broad Street Run?
NBC10 and Telemundo62 is proud to return as the official media partner for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run and will bring the virtual race to homes on air and across all platforms, in English and Spanish.
The stations will air a news special kicking off the virtual event in early September as well as a final recap special airing October 4th that will showcase the 2020 virtual participants and spectators.
Throughout September, NBC10 and Telemundo62 will provide news coverage, runner stories, spectator support and healthy lifestyle tips through its broadcast, digital and social platforms.
Will the virtual run count toward my ten years as a tenured runner?
Yes, as long as you complete the virtual race and submit your results, it will count toward being a tenured runner.
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