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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

(Revised April 24, 2023)

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.

For up-to-date runner’s information, be sure to check out the 2023 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run Race Guide.

Race details

When is the 2023 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, and what is the starting time?

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.

Will the race finish in the same location as last year?

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

What is the road closure plan for event day?

Road closures

Phased road closures for the race will begin at 2 a.m. Sunday, and include:

2:00 a.m. Pattison Ave from S 20th St to Broad St

3:00 a.m. Broad St from Olney Ave to Windrim Ave

7:00 a.m. Broad St from Windrim Ave to Pattison Ave

7:00 a.m. 15th St from Arch St to Chestnut St

7:00 a.m. JFK Blvd from Broad St to 16th St

7:00 a.m. 16th Street from JFK Blvd to Market St

7:00 a.m. Market St from 16th St to Broad St

7:00 a.m. Hartranft St from Broad St to Citizens Bank Way

7:00 a.m. Citizens Bank Way from Hartranft St to Pattison Ave

7:00 a.m. Pattison Ave from Citizens Bank Way to S Broad St

7:00 a.m. S 20th St from Packer Ave to Pattison Ave

Roads will reopen as they are cleared and serviced. The City expects the course to reopen by noon with the exception of some areas of 11th Street. The Philadelphia Police Department will be assigned to the detours around the run route to assist motorists. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, avoid areas along the race course, allow for extra driving time, and proceed with caution during the race.

Pedestrians can expect delays when trying to cross roads or streets along the race course. Police will allow pedestrian traffic through intersections when possible, depending on the flow of race participants.

Prior to Sunday, “No Parking” signs will be posted at the starting area, along the race course, and in the center median of Broad Street. City of Philadelphia “No Parking” regulations will be strictly enforced. All vehicles on the race route will be relocated, beginning on Saturday evening, April 29.

How can I confirm my 2023 participation status?

You can confirm your participation status by going to our registration status page.

Gear check questions

How will gear check work?

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 line map for specific locations.

2023 Start Area

  • Check your gear by 7:30 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 finish area within the K Lot. See finish line map below for specific locations.

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.

Please do not leave personal items at the start line. Any item you do not want to take with you on your run must be placed in the clear plastic bag and checked.

 

Event day questions

What are the best ways to get to the race? (revised April 25, 2023)

The start area is located on the Central High School Field grounds 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 — free of charge! Simply show your race bib to the cashier at any Broad Street Line station. Check iSEPTAPhilly.com/broadstreetrun for more information.

Coming from outside the city: For those taking Regional Rail or the Market-Frankford Line from outside 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/13th & Locust Street 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 Citizens Bank Park parking lots only). Parking at the lots at the stadium is free. Please note there is NO parking in the Wells Fargo lots this year.
  • Center City (and use any Broad Street Line station)

Please don’t 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, take the Broad Street Line at NRG Station near the Stadium Complex for FREE.

All trains travel north to the Olney Transportation Center, right by the start area.

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 close as they are filled.
  • Visit broadstreetrun.com for the most up-to-date status on parking availability on race day.
  • Please dispose of all trash before you leave
What safety and security procedures should I be aware of? (revised April 14, 2023)

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 (Revised: 04/14/2023) 

  • Weapons and contraband of any kind (regardless of permitting). This will include firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc. NOTE: Right-to-Carry permits will not be honored and weapons will not be permitted into the venue.
  • 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)
    NOTE: Persons entering the secured zone may wear a COVID-19 prevention mask covering both their nose and mouth. Security personnel will NOT deny entry to persons wearing this mask.
  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS/Drones)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Large umbrellas
  • Animals or reptiles (Exception: service animals are permitted for spectators only. No animals are allowed on the race course)
  • All other items that are deemed unsafe by on-site security staff, race officials, or public safety officers.

 Discouraged items (Revised: 04/14/2023) 

  • 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: For the 2023 Broad Street Run, spectators will be permitted to view the start and finish of the race, as viewing space permits. Spectators will be permitted to enter the secured zone at the finish area. No spectators will be permitted on Terminal Avenue.

NOTE: All persons entering this venue will be screened by security agents equipped with magnetometers (hand-held or walk-through).

NOTE: All items being carried into the venue will be thoroughly searched by security agents at each checkpoint.

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).

Will the race be a mass start or waves?

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

2023 Start Corals with times

Will there be a Sunday morning mass service for runners?

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 6:30 a.m. (note time change to 6:30 a.m.).

Will spectators be allowed along the course?

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

What will happen to discarded clothing left at the start line? (added April 24, 2023)

This year, all clothing discarded on Broad Street will be donated to Our Closet in Your Neighborhood, a project of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Philly.

Our Closet in Your Neighborhood hosts free mobile “pop-up” events that provide residents with free food, clothing, and social services while preserving their dignity and making it a fun experience.

Can I still register for the Shriners Children's Run on Sunday, April 30?

Yes, registration is still open for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run on Sunday, April 30.

Fun activities like face painting, clowns and more will also be included in the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone. Commemorative T-shirts are available for the first 500 participants and all Shriners Children’s Run participants will receive refreshments.

Entry fee is just $5 per child (Ages 2 and under FREE).

Children ages 2 to 5 will be in age appropriate dashes. Fun Miler Participants must be ages 6 to 12. This event is for children under 12 only. If you are over the age of 12 you cannot register for this event.

You may register for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run at the FINISH line on Pattison Ave starting at 7:00 a.m. on Race Day.

Registration on April 30 is available for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run only.

Course-related questions

I'd like to track one of the race participants. What do I need to do?

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.

What restroom and water facilities are available for this race?

There will be more than 400 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.

Post Race Related Questions

What do I need to know about the post-race portion of the event?

The race will end in the K Lot at Lincoln Financial Field. After crossing the finish line, make sure to continue moving into the runner refreshment area.

Refreshments: 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.

Please help keep the area clean and put all waste in the proper receptacles.

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

Exiting the finish area: Exit the finish area on the west side of Pattison Avenue.

Designated pick-up area and rideshare: The designated pick-up location is the P Lot at next to Citizens Bank Park. Have your ride enter P Lot from the 7th Street gate.

If P Lot is full, your ride can park on 7th Street between Pattison and Packer Avenues.

Drivers must always remain with their vehicles. Any vehicle left unattended will be towed immediately.

Get your race results quickly: After you cross the finish line, you can find out your results shortly after the race by:

 

Will there be post-race festival activities?

Yes, the 2023 Broad Street Run Official After Party presented by Michelob ULTRA will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will be across the street from the Finish Line at Xfinity Live! (1100 Pattison Avenue).

Families are welcomed, but you must be over 21 to drink alcoholic beverages (ID required for those over 21).

Note: The Official After Party presented by Michelob ULTRA is only accessible via walking, no parking will be permitted nearby, as roads are closed for the finish line area.

Will there be a meet-up area for my family?

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

Are spectators and families allowed at the Finish Line?

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

Other questions

Is there a category for non-binary awards? (revised February 21, 2023)

Yes, there is a category for non-binary awards. The first five runners to cross the finish line who registered as non-binary will receive the same amount of prize money as the male and female open division winners.

Does the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run benefit a charity?

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.

Who do I contact if I want to share my own Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run experience?

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].

Is there a time limit on the race?

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

2023 Virtual Run Questions

(Section added January 19, 2023)

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

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.

When do I need to complete the virtual race by?

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

How do I sign up for the virtual race?

Select the virtual option during registration between February 1, 2023 and March 28, 2023.

How will I receive my race packet?

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.

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.

Will the medal and shirt be the same for the virtual race and the in person race?

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

Will there be awards for the virtual race?

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

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 after April 30, 2023.

Can I still defer my spot to 2024?

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.

Will I still be charged a fee in 2023 if I defer my spot to 2024?

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

Does the virtual run count toward my tenure?

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.