PHILADELPHIA — Road closures, transit detours and public safety information for the 2019 Blue Cross Broad Street Run were released today. The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is an annual, 10-mile running event operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that attracts an average of 40,000 runners each year. The race takes place along Broad Street, beginning at West Fisher Avenue and concluding within the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The 2019 Blue Cross Broad Street Run will be held Sunday, May 5 beginning at 8:00 a.m. and is a rain or shine event.

Road Closures and Parking Restrictions

No parking will be permitted on Broad Street on Sunday, May 5 from Olney Avenue to the Navy Yard, beginning at 2:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The race start area on Broad Street, between Olney Avenue and Windrim Avenue, will close to traffic at 4:00 a.m. Broad Street, from Windrim Avenue to Erie Avenue, will close at 7:00 a.m. The remainder of the course along Broad Street will close to traffic at approximately 7:30 a.m. Sections of Broad Street will re-open on a rolling basis as participants clear the course.

Mass Transit Details

Detours

  • The following SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from 7:30 a.m. until the conclusion of the event: 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48, 53, 54, 56, 60, 61, 64, 68, 75, 79, 124, 125, G, J, H-XH, and R.
  • Route 15 trolleys will be replaced by bus service.
Expanded Service
  • Race participants can ride SEPTA free of charge prior to 9:00 a.m. As a result, high demand on the Broad Street Line is expected prior to the start of the race.
  • Twelve Express Broad Street Line trains will be added to the service schedule on Sunday, May 5 prior to the race with stops at Olney Transportation Center and Fern Rock Transportation Center.
  • Early morning service will be offered on the Glenside Combined Line. Morning train service from Glenside and Jenkintown will connect runners to the Broad Street Line at Fern Rock Transportation Center.
  • All Regional Rail lines will run on their weekend schedule. Trains are typically comprised of five to seven cars each, with an approximate capacity of 600 to 850 passengers.
Information about SEPTA routes and schedules is available on www.septa.org, and SEPTA can be reached at 215-580-7800 or on Twitter @septa_social. Details relating to SEPTA service during the 2019 Blue Cross Broad Street Run can be found at http://www.septa.org/events/broad-street-run.html.
NJ Transit information is available at www.njtransit.com or by calling 973-275-5555.

Public Safety

In emergencies or to report a suspicious person, activity or item (such as a backpack, package or container), notify a police officer immediately or call 911. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.

Sign up for free text alerts from the City to get weather, transit and public safety updates. Text RunPHL (one word, no space) to 888-777.

Participants and spectators are encouraged to follow the forecast closely this weekend, get the latest updates from a trusted weather information source, and dress appropriately.

Drones are not permitted to fly over the Blue Cross Broad Street Run.

Other prohibited items include:

  • 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 inside the venue.
  • Fireworks (including flammable liquids, fuels or explosives).
  • Suitcases.
  • Bulky items or packages larger than 12’’x12’’x6’’.
  • Containers (glass, aluminum or others) 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.
  • Masks of any kind (except religious headwear).
  • Selfie sticks.
  • Animals (except service animals).
  • Large umbrellas.
All other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate will be confiscated, and individuals can be denied access at the sole discretion of security personnel.

Impact on Stadium Complex Area

It will be an exciting sports weekend in Philadelphia, with the 2019 Blue Cross Broad Street Run coinciding with a Phillies game and Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the 76ers. Race officials are working with the stadium complex at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, and expect to have Broad Street re-opened by Noon. Participants and spectators are being told to clear the Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center parking lots by Noon as well. Fans should allow extra time to get to the stadiums on Sunday afternoon due to heavy traffic from the Broad Street Run.

Additional Race Information

Visit the Blue Cross Broad Street Run’s FAQ page for questions ranging from getting gear checked to the best place to watch the race.

To get a virtual view of the 10-miler, including maps of the course, road closures, parking, water station, port-a-potty, and first-aid locations, visit the Office of Emergency Management’s story map.

Contact for Press Credentialing: Kim Comey, kim.comey@phila.gov, 215-686-2850

Press Contact for Additional Race Information: Hilary Doe, hilary.doe@phila.gov, 215-300-4053 or Leo Dignam, leo.dignam@phila.gov, 215-779-5483

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