We’ll see you on May 5!

Countdown to the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10-Miler (May 5, 2024)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

(Updated January 12, 2024)

If health mandates related to a resurgence of COVID-19 compel us to cancel the May 5, 2024, Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, we will hold a virtual run, and no refunds will be issued.

Race details

When is the 2024 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, and what is the starting time?

The next Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run will be held on May 5, 2024, at 7:30 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.

When will registration for the lottery open, when will it close, and when will the results be announced?
The lottery opens on February 1, 2024 (12:01 a.m. EST) and closes on February 15, 2024 (11:59 p.m. EST).

Runners will be notified the week of February 19, 2024 on their lottery status.

Remember, you must enter the lottery to run the race.

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

No, the race will start at Broad & Fisher and finish in the Navy Yard.

Registration

I'm having problems registering with a guaranteed registration (tenured runner or deferred runner). What do I do?

Send an email to [email protected] and we will assist you with your registration.

Can I create my own team?

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.

Can I register as a non-binary individual?

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

How do I register for the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run?

To run in the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, you must enter the lottery. We can only allow a certain number of runners in the race, so we choose runners at random through the lottery.

What do I do if I haven’t received my confirmation yet?

You should have received an email confirmation immediately after you registered online. Confirmations will not be mailed. If you haven’t received your confirmation, your registration may not have processed. You will need to go to the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run Solutions Center Health & Wellness Expo. You may also call 215-683-3594 or email [email protected].

Is there an age limit to run the race?

There is no age limit for the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run.

I already registered for the lottery, but am having difficulty changing my registration information.

If you are selected from the lottery on the week of February 19th, you will be able to make changes to your registration or purchase additional merchandise directly from your RunSignup profile.

This includes address changes or ordering an in-training shirt.

Here is a tutorial that walks you through editing your registration record on RunSignup (View tutorial)

I’m registering with a friend. Does that mean that both of us will be accepted (or rejected) together?

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

When will I be charged the entry fee?

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

Are tenured runners still guaranteed entry?

Yes. Tenured runners (those who have competed in the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 or more times) and runners who deferred in 2023 are eligible for guaranteed registration.

Will there be a Virtual Run this year?

We will not be offering a virtual option for the 2024 race.

How can I confirm my 2024 participation status?

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

​Deferred/transferred entry

How do I transfer my bib to another runner?

How the transfer process works

You may transfer your bib to someone you know.

If you wish to transfer your bib, it is your responsibility to find someone to transfer it to. Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run will help with periodic social media postings, but it will be your responsibility to find someone to transfer your bib. We recommend your running club or your running circle.

Once you find someone to transfer, log in to your RunSignUp account and follow the instructions on transferring.

Notes regarding bib transfers:

Links do not expire with transfers, but participants can cancel their initiated transfer. However, the deadline to initiate transfers must by made by April 15 and you must complete the transfer prior to April 17, 2024.

There is a transfer fee of $15, which will be paid by the person accepting the transfer.

Please note that add-on items (iTab, packet mailout) will not be transferred along with the registration. Once the transfer is complete, the original registrant must request a refund of add-ons, minus processing fees.

The originator will receive a full refund, minus processing fees.

The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run does not permit anyone to charge fees over the standard entry fees for each event for a transferred registration. Anyone found overcharging will be banned from future races.

If you have any questions, call 215-683-3594 or email [email protected].

(View instructions on transferring your bib)

 

What if I can’t race this year; can I use my spot for another year?

Defer your entry

The deferral program allows you to give up your spot in exchange for a guaranteed spot in the 2025 race.

You will not receive an entry fee refund for this year’s race if you decide to defer.

In addition, you will still be required to pay the entry fee for the 2025 race in which you have a guaranteed spot.

The deferral program closes on April 15, 2024 (11:59 p.m. EST).

Can I defer my entry to 2025 if I am selected in the lottery?

Yes, you can defer your 2024 entry to 2025 if you are selected in the 2024 lottery.  Please be aware deferring your entry guarantees you a spot bypassing the 2025 lottery, but you will still be required to pay the 2025 entry fee.

Expo-related questions

If I am unable to attend the Expo, how can I obtain my race packet?

If you cannot attend The Health & Fitness Expo, a friend or 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 (a picture on their phone is acceptable).
When and where will the Expo be held?

The Health & Fitness Expo will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Hall F, Philadelphia, PA  19107.

Can I still register for the Shriners Children's Run at the expo?

Yes, Registration is available for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run at the Health and Fitness Expo (May 4 and May 5).

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 $10 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 also register for the Shriners Children’s Run at the FINISH line at the Navy Yard starting at 7:00 a.m. on Race Day.

Registration on May 4 and May 5 is available for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run only.

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.

Backpacks and suitcases are not permitted at gear check for your safety and the safety of others.

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 contact you. Any garments without a bag will not be accepted.
  • Find a gear check bus located around the start area, including Olney Avenue, Old York Road, and Somerville Avenue. (There will be no buses on Broad Street).
  • Gear must be checked onto a bus by 7:00 a.m.
  • Each bus will have 500 security wristbands. You will receive two matching wristbands and a sticker when you check your bag. Place one wristband on your gear and hand it to a volunteer. Place the second wristband on your wrist and place the sticker on the back of your race bib.
  • Don’t forget the bus number in which you checked your gear, because buses will not be loaded by bib number.
  • Pick up your gear in the Navy Yard at the south end of the Marine Parade Grounds, in the parking lot directly across Constitution Avenue.

Event day questions

How do I get to the starting area?

The Central High School Athletic Field is located at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue approximately one mile north of the Route 1 and North Broad Street Interchange. Board the Broad Street Line at any subway stop to get to the start area. Many trains are crowded and may not stop at some locations going north, so please allow enough time to get to the Broad Street Run start area.

What are the best ways to get to the race?

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 – Parking at the lots at the stadium is free.
  • 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
Where do I park?

There is no parking available in the start area. We recommend that all runners park their cars for free in the Sports Complex parking lots (Broad Street and Pattison Avenue). From there, you can take the SEPTA Broad Street Line to the start area.

Is there transportation back to start area when the race is completed?

There are no shuttles back to the start area. However, public transportation is available on the SEPTA Broad Street Line Subway. One-way fare is two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50).

For public transportation information contact SEPTA at 215-580-7800 or visit septa.org.

Subway trains from Broad Street and Pattison Avenue will begin running at 5:30 a.m. Express trains will run continuously as soon as they become full. You should board at the Walnut/Locust stop if you are boarding from Center City.

It is in your best interest to board a train before 5:30 a.m. to allow for any delays. It takes approximately 35 minutes for local subway trains to reach the SEPTA Broad and Olney Transportation Center, which is a few blocks above the start. However, express trains when operating take about 20 minutes.

What safety and security procedures should I be aware of?

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.

Prohibited items

  • 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

  • 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 2024 Independence Blue Cross 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.

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

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 on the Marine Parade Grounds 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 on the Marine Parade Grounds in the Navy Yard. 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. After event hours, you can contact the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run at ([email protected] | 215-683-3594).

Will spectators be allowed along the course?

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

Can I still register for the Shriners Children's Run on Sunday, May 5?

Yes, registration will remain open for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run until  Sunday, May 5.

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 $10 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 starting at 7:00 a.m. on Race Day.

Registration on May 5 is available for the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Children’s Run only.

What are some locations to watch athletes during this year’s race?

Here is a list of great spots to stop and watch:

  • The start area near Broad and Fisher Street
  • North Broad Street along the Temple University Campus
  • North Broad Street at Callowhill near the Philadelphia Daily News Building
  • City Hall — West Side at Dilworth Plaza
  • Broad and Walnut Streets outside The Bellevue
  • South Broad Street along the Avenue of the Arts
  • South Broad Street at Carpenter (High School for the Creative and Performing Arts)
  • South Broad Street at Jackson (South Philadelphia High School)
  • South Broad Street at Bigler Street
  • South Broad Street at Packer Avenue, one block from Chickie’s & Pete’s
  • Broad and Pattison at the Sports Complex

Course-related questions

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 7:15 a.m.

Start times

  • Wheelchairs: 7:25 a.m.

  • Elite athletes and first wave: 7:30 a.m.

  • After the first wave, each of the following waves will start every three to five minutes
Can I change corrals?

Anyone who wishes to move to a slower corral is free to line up with that later start group. If you would like to move to a faster corral, please bring your bib to the Corral Change Table at the Expo so it can be modified for admittance. Runners who line up in faster corrals without visiting the Corral Change Table first may be disqualified.

Are there pace groups for the race?

There are no pace groups; however, like-paced (based on submitted estimated finish times) runners are placed in corrals together.

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 late 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 500 portable toilets at the start, along the course and at the finish line. 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.

Are hydration backpacks allowed?

No backpacks, coolers, or non-clear bags are permitted along the route, including start and finish areas. Water stations are located throughout the course.

Are the runners allowed to wear headsets/earphone?

For your safety and insurance considerations, we do not permit headsets or earphones.

Post Race Related Questions

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

​The race will end in the Navy Yard. 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.

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

 

Are strollers allowed in the Navy Yard?

Yes, strollers are allowed in the Navy Yard. If you are bringing in a child with a diaper bag, the bag may be searched.

Can I bring a bag/backpack/cooler into the Navy Yard?

No bags, backpacks, or coolers will be allowed in the Navy Yard. Any items being brought into the Navy Yard must be in clear plastic bags.

Are spectators and families allowed at the Finish Line?

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

How can I get a photo taken of me during the race?

Our Official Photography Company will provide a link to their site once they have uploaded all race day photos.

Other questions

Is there a category for non-binary awards?

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.

How do I obtain a USATF Membership card?

Visit mausatf.org for information about obtaining a USATF Membership card.