PHILADELPHIA—The City of Philadelphia welcomes back runners to the 42nd annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run on Sunday, May 1. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. at Broad Street and West Fisher Avenue. 27,500 people have registered for the nation’s largest 10-mile road race.

This year, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run will be a hybrid race. Participants who submitted proof of vaccination can choose to run in person, and all other registered runners can complete a virtual race. 27,500 racers are expected to run in person and approximately 900 will complete the virtual race.

“I’m thrilled to welcome back runners to the Blue Cross Broad Street Run on its traditional May date. Thank you to everyone who got vaccinated so we can have a safe race,” Mayor Jim Kenney said.

Race organizers worked with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to ensure the race prioritizes the safety of runners and community health. Other COVID-19 protocols include:

  • Spectators are encouraged to cheer runners on from home,

  • Post-race activities are limited to registered runners, and

  • 5 entertainment zones featuring live bands will replace cheer zones.

The Race Course 

Due to construction in the Navy Yard along League Island Boulevard, the 2022 run will once again end on Pattison Avenue, two-tenths of a mile west of Broad Street. The awards ceremony, medal distribution, and other finishing line activities are limited to registered runners and will take place in the parking lot next to the NovaCare Complex (1566-1999 Pattison Avenue).

As a result of the new finish line, the 2022 race course veers off Broad Street twice, near City Hall and again at the Stadium District.

At City Hall runners will be diverted off Broad Street to John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Runners will:

  • Run west on John F. Kennedy Boulevard toward 16th Street.

  • Turn left onto 16th Street.

  • Run south to Market Street.

  • Make a left on Market Street for one block.

  • Follow 15th Street south to South Penn Street.

  • Return to Broad Street.

Runners will again be diverted off Broad Street in South Philadelphia, turning east at Hartranft Street. The course will:

  • Follow Hartranft Street (Phillies Drive) east to Citizens Bank Way.

  • Turn right to go south on Citizens Bank Way (11th Street) to Pattison Avenue.

  • Turn right to go west on Pattison Avenue toward Broad Street.

  • End along Pattison Avenue (west of Broad Street).

Runners will cross the intersection at Broad Street just before they reach the finish line.

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

  • 4:00 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 after street sweepers clean the race route. The City expects the course to reopen by noon with the exception of some areas of Pattison Avenue. The Philadelphia Police Department will be assigned to the detours around the run route to assist motorists. However, motorists should expect delays in the area of the run including side streets.

Residents can see how the race will affect their area by checking this storymap.

The Health and Wellness Expo

The Blue Cross Broad Street Run Health and Wellness Expo, presented by Penn Orthopaedics, kicks off race weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (Hall E). This year’s Expo is open to the public. All race participants planning to run in person must visit the Expo before the race to pick up their bib, IPICO timing device, t-shirt, and race guide.

Expo dates and hours are:

  • Friday, April 29, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 

Spectators

To keep runners safe, spectators are strongly discouraged from gathering on Broad Street. Fans can cheer runners on from home by watching the live broadcast on NBC10 and online.

Public Safety

Stay informed of important information, including event details and impactful weather, for the race. Text RUNPHL to 888777 to get free alerts direct to your phone.

Use of drones is prohibited over the course for the safety of participants. If you see a drone, please report the location of the drone and operator to the nearest public safety official.

Find helpful public safety, health, transit, and course materials on your phone or desktop in the City’s storymap.

“We’re so excited to welcome back runners to Broad Street in May to kick off a great Philly summer! It’s a true mark that things are returning to normal and we are ready to welcome folks back for our signature City events like the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. Congratulations to all of the runners for their dedication! I wish every runner, virtual and in person, good luck and health,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner.

Notes to editors

Press Credentials

Members of the media can come to the 10th floor of 1515 Arch Street to pick up press credentials during the following times:

  • Tuesday, April 26: 9 am – 5 pm

  • Wednesday, April 27: 9 am – 5 pm

  • Thursday, April 28: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Friday, April 29: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Press should contact charlotte.merrick@phila.gov to schedule a pick-up time.

Press Parking

Start line: Limited on street press parking is available to press on the 1400 block of West Fisher Avenue.

Finish line: The finish line is on Pattison Ave just beyond Broad Street, with finishing activities taking place in the PIDC parking lot next to the Novacare complex. Press covering the finishing line activities are encouraged to arrive prior to 7 a.m. and park in the Stadium complex.

FDR Parking for Sunday morning, May 1 (Press only): A parking pass is required and must be requested and collected prior to Sunday. Press should contact charlotte.merrick@phila.gov by noon April 28, 2022.

Media availability

Race representatives will be available for interviews and photography on Friday, April 29, from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the Expo. More details to come.

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