Guide To The 2014 Broad Street Run
Whether you've trained for months to run it or stick to cheering friends and family on from the sidelines, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run is a must-do for any Philly resident. In fact, the iconic 10 mile race, now in its 35th year, has become so popular with runners nationwide that there's now a lottery system just to get in!
This year, The City of Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation and CBS RADIO Philadelphia have teamed up to ramp up race weekend with a two-day health and wellness expo, kids' activities center and kid-friendly races, special appearances and promotions and more. Want to get in on the action along Broad Street this May? Here's our guide. – Chelsea Karnash
THE BASICS
What: The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is the country's largest 10-mile race and has been enticing runners nationwide to hit the streets of Philly the first Sunday of May since the 1980s. The race starts at Broad Street and West Fisher Avenue, with a warm-up scheduled at the Central High School Athletic Field, located at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue. Want to stretch before pounding the pavement? A pre-race stretch will be held one hour before the start time.
When: Sunday, May 4th, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
The Course: The 10-mile run begins at Central High and continues along Broad Street before finishing at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Water stations will be available at numerous points throughout the race, and Gatorade will be doled out at four of those water stations (2.2, 6.3, 7.8, and 8.5 mile points). Bands, choirs, cheerleaders and the general public are all invited to cheer from the sidelines, so expect plenty of motivation to finish out the grueling race. For more on the course, click here.
SPECTATOR INFO
Looking to cheer someone on? There is limited bleacher seating at the finish line, but the Broad Street Run website recommends checking out the race from these key points:
- 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 & Pete's;
- Broad and Pattison at the Sports Complex.
For more on where to watch, click here.
PHOTOS: The 2013 Broad Street Run
And if you're a Phillies fan, guess what? The team will be offering race participants, families, friends and spectators a chance to see the Phils take on the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park during the Race Weekend. Click here to take advantage of the opportunity (use the password 'BSR' to log in).
RACE DAY SECURITY
Runners will receive a clear plastic bag on pickup that must be used on race day. All items have to be visible within the bag, and no backpacks will be permitted at the start area. Buses will be available at certain points so that runners can have their items securely checked and delivered to them at the finish line. For more info on this, click here.
Also, bear in mind that runners must wear their official race bib on the front of their shirt. And don't forget to fill out the medical info on the back of your bib in case of an emergency!
THE EXPO
The Broad Street Run is offering a two-day Health and Wellness Expo at the PA Convention Center located at 1101 Arch Street. This is where runners can pick up their bibs, race info, t-shirt and ChronoTrack timing device. Appearances from the Phillie Phanatic, Gary "The Sarge" Matthews, Chris Wheeler, and the Phillies Ball Girls are also scheduled. Check out the list of Expo exhibitors here.
The Expo will be open on Friday, May 2nd from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, May 3rd from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info on the Expo, click here.
THE BROAD STREET RUN FESTIVAL AND KIDS' FUN
Activities for people of all ages are slated to begin at the finish line at the Philadelphia Navy Yard at 7:30 a.m. The Run Festival includes vendors, beverage options and a special "Taste of the Broad Street Run" featuring Chef Marc Vetri and Alla Spina. A portion of the proceeds will support Parks & Recreation's Health & Wellness initiatives.
And don't leave the kids at home. Five dollars will get your child access to face-painting, games, rides, a moon bounce, a petting zoo and magicians. Active kids can also take part in the 15th annual Fun Miler one-mile race, or test their skills in "Kids Dashes," distance races determined by age. And if you've got sports fans in the family, plan to stop here – there will be special appearances from the Phillies and the Sixers.
For more info on registering for family-friendly fun, click here.
TRANSPORTATION & LODGING INFO
Getting There: FYI, there is NO parking at the starting area. Guests are urged to park at the stadium complex if coming by car.
As always, public transit is a safe bet: Runners can show their official race number at a pickup spot to ride SEPTA's Broad Street subway line for free. SEPTA will also provide express trains the morning of the race.
Another great option is Uber -- the company is offering a $25 free voucher for all first-time users during Race Weekend!
For more info on getting to the Broad Street Run, click here.
Where to Stay: Ask for the 2014 Blue Cross Broad Street Run rate for special deals at these hotels.