Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The next Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run will be held on April 30, 2023, at 8 a.m.

The Run is in close communication with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to ensure the race is conducted with public health and safety as our top priority.

The Philadelphia Phillies will be playing the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, May 7, creating a conflict for the traditional first Sunday of May.

Registration for the 2023 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run lottery will open on February 1 at 12:01 a.m.

Yes, the lottery will open on February 1, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. and close on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.

Runners will be notified the week of February 19, 2023. Those not selected for the lottery can still register for the virtual option until March 15, 2023. 

The race will start at Broad & Fisher and finish at the K Lot in Lincoln Financial Field.

Registration for the 2023 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run lottery will open on February 1 at 12:01 a.m. and close on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.

Teams are for competitive runners from corporations or running clubs affiliated with USATF or RRCA.  Each team may have up to five members.  Teams are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Yes, there is an option to register as non-binary.

You can only register as an individual for the race. Participants who would like to run with friends must register individually.

Runners will be charged the entry fee after the lottery selections are made.

Yes. Tenured runners (those who have competed in the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 or more times) and runners who deferred in 2022 are eligible for guaranteed registration.

Yes, runners who don’t get a spot in the lottery or who prefer to run on their own can register for the virtual run. Registration for the virtual run will open on February 1.

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. You will receive an official race shirt and medal for completing the ten-mile distance.

You can choose your own route for the virtual race.

You can choose your own race day any time between April 15 and May 15, 2023.

Select the virtual option during registration between February 1, 2023 and March 15, 2023.

We will mail your race packet to the address you provided during registration after April 30, 2023. Your race packet will also include your official race shirt and medal.

We will also email you instructions for your downloadable bib and finisher certificate.

Tip: To complete the virtual run, you just need to have your bib number to upload results. You can find your bib number through our bib lookup feature.

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.

Yes, the shirt and medal you receive for your virtual race will be the same as in person participants.

We will not offer awards for the 2023 virtual race, as results are based on an honor system.

Yes, your official race T-shirt will be included in your race packet, which we will mail to you after April 30, 2023.

Yes, you can defer your entry to 2024. Please note that although your entry is guaranteed, you will still need to pay the race fee for the 2024 race.

Yes, your registration fee for the 2023 race is non-refundable, but your spot will be guaranteed.

The virtual race does count toward your tenure.  Tenured runners are runners who have completed ten races.  The ten races do not need to be consecutive.

Yes, those who deferred in 2022 will receive an e-mail with registration instructions.

Yes, you are guaranteed entry.

Yes, you can defer your 2023 entry to 2024 if you are selected in the 2023 lottery.  Please be aware deferring your entry guarantees you a spot bypassing the 2024 lottery, but you will still be required to pay the 2024 entry fee.

At this time, we will not require proof of vaccination or a negative test. Registrants are encouraged to stay up to date with current CDC guidelines.

The race staff is in regular communication with the Health Department to stay informed about the threat level of the virus in Philadelphia. The health of prospective participants, volunteers, spectators, and staff is and will remain the top priority, and the race will follow all applicable public health guidance at the time.

Masks are not required for runners at the start or Finish Line.

If health mandates related to a resurgence of COVID-19 compel us to cancel the April 30, 2023, Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, we will hold a virtual run, and no refunds will be issued.

Not at this time.

The race staff is in regular communication with the Health Department to stay informed about the threat level of the virus in Philadelphia. The health of prospective participants, volunteers, spectators, and staff is and will remain the top priority, and the race will follow all applicable public health guidance at the time.

Yes. The Health & Fitness Expo “Presented by Penn Orthopaedics” is open to runners, volunteers, family members, supporters, and anyone who would like to attend.

The Health & Fitness Expo “Presented by Penn Orthopaedics” will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Hall E, Philadelphia, PA  19107.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ENTRANCE TO HALL E IS ON BROAD STREET BETWEEN ARCH AND RACE.

There is no packet mailing for the 2023 race.  All runners must pick up their packet at The Health & Fitness Expo “Presented by Penn Orthopaedics”

If you cannot attend The Health & Fitness Expo “Presented by Penn Orthopaedics”, a fellow runner may pick up your packet for you. They must provide:

• Your bib number
• A brief note from you authorizing them to pick up your packet
• Their photo ID
• A copy or photo of your photo ID

The Start Area is located on the grounds of the Central High School Field at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue. You have several options to get there on race day.

Coming from inside the city: The Broad Street Line is the best way to get to the Start Area — and it’s free of charge! Simply show your race bib to the cashier at any Broad Street Line Station. Check septa.org for more information.

Coming from outside the city: For those taking Regional Rail or the Market-Frankford Line from outside of the city to Suburban Station, you can hop on the Broad Street Line at City Hall Station.

If you’re taking PATCO from New Jersey, get off at the 12th and 13th & Locust Station, and walk two blocks west to the Broad & Locust Station on the Broad Street Line.

If you plan on driving from outside of the city, you should park at one of the following locations:

The Stadium Complex (Lincoln Financial Field and Wells Fargo Center parking lots only Center City (and use any Broad Street Line Station)

Please plan to park near the Start Area, as no parking is available. There is also no parking on Pattison Avenue. Normal parking restrictions will be enforced.

Once you’ve parked, you can get to the Start Area one of two ways:

• Take the Broad Street Line at NRG Station near the Stadium Complex for FREE
• Take a shuttle outside of NRG Station

All trains travel north to the Olney Transportation Center, right by the Start Area. Check broadstreetrun.com for updates related to parking and shuttles.

Using rideshare: Please have your driver drop you off at either:

• Broad Street and Chew Avenue
• Ogontz and Somerville Avenues

Tips for drivers

• Runners should carpool.
• Arrive early — Stadium Complex lots will open by 5:30 a.m. and will be closed as they are filled.

If you see anything suspicious, notify a law enforcement officer or call 911.

Sign up for free emergency alerts by texting RunPHL to 888-777.

If your vehicle is relocated, please call your local PPD District Headquarters or 3-1-1. Do not call 9-1-1 for towed vehicles.

SEPTA riders are encouraged to download the Transit Watch mobile app to report security or safety concerns to SEPTA Transit Police.

The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run and associated events are a “No Drone Zone.” Drone use is prohibited during this event. Please report any drone sightings to the nearest Philadelphia Police Officer.

Prohibited items

• Weapons and contraband of any kind (regardless of permitting). This will include firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc.
• Right-to-Carry permits will not be honored, and weapons will not be permitted.
• Fireworks (includes flammable liquids, fuels, or explosives)
• Suitcases
• Bulky items or packages larger than 12”x12”x6”
• Containers (glass, aluminum, or otherwise) that can hold more than 1 liter of liquid. (Water bottles are permitted).
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or illicit substances of any kind
• Bicycles or scooters
• Facial costume masks of any kind (except religious headwear)
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS or “drones”)
• Selfie sticks
• Large umbrellas
• Animals or reptiles (service animals are permitted)
• All other items that are deemed unsafe by on-site security staff, race officials, or public safety officers.
• Surrendered items will not be returned.

 Discouraged items

• Large blankets, comforters, or sleeping bags
• Backpacks, handbags, or shoulder bags of any kind (clear plastic participant bags are permitted)
• Props (includes flagpoles, military or fire gear, sporting equipment, or other hard objects)
• Coolers
• Action cameras

NOTE: All persons entering the race start/finish areas and race route will be screened by security personnel equipped with hand-held magnetometers.

NOTE: All items being carried into the start/finish areas will be thoroughly searched by security.

Medical / EMS

There will be numerous ambulances on the course. If you get sick or are injured, remain calm until help arrives. If any runner comes upon an emergency and no help is in the area, please report it to any public safety official along the course.

Einstein, Temple University, and Methodist Hospitals are located along the course.

There is one medical tent at the Finish Line.

Missing children

Runners should plan to meet with their families/friends away from the race route or finish area since spectators are not encouraged this year. If a child is missing, please report this to the nearest Philadelphia Police Officer as soon as possible. All lost children will also be taken to the Lost Child & Items Tent at K Lot in Lincoln Financial Field lot entrance on 11th Street where they will remain for 45 to 60 minutes. After that time, lost children will be escorted to the Philadelphia Police Department Central Division until reunification can be made with a parent or guardian.

It’s always a smart idea to take a photo of your children before attending a public event and have the child memorize the cell phone of their parent or guardian.

Lost items

During the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, lost items can be dropped off at the Lost Child and Items Tent located at K Lot in Lincoln Financial Field. All items will be collected and remain in possession of Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run staff. Anyone seeking to reclaim lost items can do so at the information booth in the PIDC lot. After event hours, you can contact the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run at ([email protected] | 215-683-3594).

We use a corralled wave system at the start of the race. Your corral assignment is based on the anticipated finish time that you provided at registration. Runners must be in their corrals by 7:45 a.m.

Start times:

Wheelchairs: 7:55 a.m.

Elite athletes and first wave: 8 a.m.

After the first wave, each of the following waves will start every three to five minutes.

Note: Runners inside Central High School field after the green corral starts will not be permitted to exit until after the gray corral departs on Broad Street

Yes. Once again this year, our friends at Our Lady of Hope Church (5200 North Broad Street) are holding a Mass for our participants at 6:45 a.m.

Yes, spectators are welcome to cheer on runners along the course.

Gear check: Use the clear plastic bags you received at the Expo to check your gear for FREE.

Here’s how gear check works:

• Put some form of identification, including your name, address, and phone number, inside your bag in case we need to ship the bag back to you after the race. We won’t accept garments outside of the bag.
• Find a gear check bus located around the Start Area, including Olney Avenue, Old York Road, and Somerville Avenue. Consult the start map below for specific locations.

2023 Start Area

• Check your gear by 7:45 a.m.
• Attach one wristband to your bag and give your bag to the gear volunteer. Keep the second wristband and sticker with you. You will need these to help you find your bus and claim your bag at the finish area.
• Remember the bus number in which you checked your gear because buses will not be loaded by bib number.
• Pick up your gear in the K Lot toward the exit. See the Finish Line map below for specific locations.

2023 Finish Line

We will not accept any personal backpacks or other large bags at gear check on race day; you must have a clear bag. For your safety and the safety of others, all bags will be subject to inspection.

The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run is offering race day tracking of runners to friends, family, and loved ones.

Receive alerts as runners cross-timing equipment at various points on the course.

Sign-up link will be provided in April.

Note: There is no setup required for the runner.

There will be more than 225 portable toilets at the start. Please allow yourself enough time to use the facilities before the start of the race.

Please remember to hydrate before the race. Water, provided by ACME Markets, will be located at the following mile marks:

2.2 miles
4.2 miles
6.3 miles
7.8 miles
9.1 miles
Finish line

Nuun^® will be in Nuun-branded cups on tables at two water stations at the following mile marks:

2.2 miles (Broad & Master Streets)
7.8 miles (Broad & Mifflin Streets)

Bottled water, provided by ACME Markets, will be available at the Finish Line.

The race will end in the K Lot of Lincoln Financial Field.

Refreshments: At the end of the race, remove the food tag from your bib and give it to the volunteers in the refreshment tent to receive a refreshment packet. Our preparations included one of each item per runner. Please be considerate of others and only take one of each item.

We ask all runners to help keep the area clean.
Please put all waste in the proper receptacles.

Medal distribution: All medals will be distributed at the rear of each runner’s refreshment tent.

Exiting the finish area: All runners will exit the finish area on the west side of Pattison Avenue.

Shuttle buses will be located at 20th Street and Pattison Avenue.

After the race: There will be a designated pick-up location at Darien Street and Pattison Avenue.

You will be able to take a shuttle from 20th Street and Pattison Avenue back to the designated pick-up spot or to the Sports Complex parking lots. Shuttle buses will leave every ten minutes.

The pick-up lot will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Please tell your driver to enter the lot at the police checkpoint located at Pattison Avenue and Penrose Avenue. Drivers must always remain with their vehicles. Any vehicle left unattended will be towed immediately.

Rideshare at the Finish Line Area: There is a designated rideshare pick up / drop off point on Pattison Ave near S. Darien St and another pick up / drop off point on S. 20th St near Hartranft St. All rideshare passengers and vehicles will be directed to that area.

Get your race results quickly!

After you cross the Finish Line, you can find out your results shortly after the race by:

Visiting the broadstreetrun.com results page.

Using your smartphone to scan the QR code on your race bib

Yes, there will be post-race activities at the finishing line. An after-party event within walking distance of the finish will also be available. Details TBD.

There will be a designated area for runners to meet up with family in K Lot at Lincoln Financial Field

Yes, spectators and their families are allowed at the Finish Line.

Runners may register as non-binary; however, there is no award category for non-binary runners.

Yes, the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run has five charity partners: the American Cancer Society, The American Association of Cancer Research, the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Students Run Philly Style, and Back On My Feet. Partners benefit through the runners’ donations and pledges.

If you have a story to tell about why you are participating in the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, we would like to hear it. Send your story to [email protected].

Yes, runners must be able to keep a 15-minute-per-mile pace.