PHILADELPHIA – On Sunday, May 3, the City of Philadelphia will welcome 40,000 participants to the 47th Annual Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, the nation’s largest 10-mile race. The run will begin at 7 a.m., with the wheelchair division starting five minutes earlier at 6:55 a.m.  

The race will kick off from Central High School Athletic Field on Broad Street, between Fisher and Somerville Avenues, marking the start of a 10-mile route that continues through the heart of Philadelphia and finishes at the historic Navy Yard. For course maps, transportation tips, and spectator guidance, visit the official 2026 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run Race Guide available on broadstreetrun.com. Participants can also text RUNPHL to 888777 to get free alerts directly to your phone. 

Road Closure Impacts  

Phased road closures for the race will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday. No parking will be permitted on Broad Street from Olney Avenue to the Navy Yard between 2 a.m. and noon on Sunday, May 3.

The race start area on Broad Street from Olney to Windrim Avenues will be closed to traffic at 4 a.m. Broad Street from Windrim Avenue to Erie Avenue will close at 6:30 a.m. The remainder of the course along Broad Street will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m.

Roads will reopen as they are cleared and serviced. Based on previous years, the City expects the course to reopen by noon.

The Philadelphia Police Department will be assigned to detours along the run route to assist motorists and help ensure safety for the runners.

Motorists are advised to:

  • Use alternate routes
  • Avoid areas along the racecourse
  • Allow for extra driving time
  • Proceed with caution during the race

Pedestrians can expect delays when crossing roads or streets along the racecourse. Police will allow pedestrian traffic through intersections when possible, depending on the flow of race participants. Pedestrians are asked for their cooperation since crossing in front of a runner can cause them to fall and get hurt.

Prior to Sunday, “No Parking” signs will be posted:

  • At the starting area
  • Along the racecourse
  • In the center median of Broad Street
  • Friday, May 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

I-95 South detour

The Walt Whitman Bridge/Packer Avenue exit on I-95 South is closed for construction. During the race, all Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run traffic should exit at the Columbus Boulevard /Washington Avenue exit. Turn right on Columbus Boulevard and follow it all the way until it turns into Pattison Avenue.

Public Safety  

Runners are encouraged to stay up-to-date before the race, including checking event details and weather conditions. Text RUNPHL to 888777 to get free alerts directly to your phone.  

Use of drones is prohibited over the course for the safety of participants. If you see a drone, please report its location and operator to the nearest public safety official. If you see something – say something! Large crowd safety tips and more can be found in OEM’s Special Events Safety Guide.

The lost child reunification area will be located at the registration tent on the Parade Grounds in the Navy Yard; the runners’ reunion area will be in the northwest quadrant of the Parade Grounds near the Kids Run & Fun Zone. The Kids Run & Fun Zone presented by CHOP features age-based races, dashes, and family-friendly activities for children under 12, with entertainment and refreshments for participants. Parents must be present and all children must be registered to participate. Online registration is now closed, but families can still register at the Health & Wellness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on May 1 and May 2 or at the finish line beginning at 6:30 a.m. on race day.

SEPTA Transportation 

For the most updated SEPTA Race Day information, visit https://wwww.septa.org/news/broad-street-run/

Sustainability and Compassion

This year, all clothing discarded on Broad St. will be cleaned and 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.

The 2026 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run is a low-waste event with trash collection and recycling at the start line, and trash, recycling, and compost at the finish area. Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) is partnering with Bennett Compost to offer the compost option. Race participants and spectators should dispose of waste in the appropriate bins provided. Signage and volunteers will guide runners and guests to the correct bin, making it easy for everyone to contribute to a cleaner, greener event.

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Notes to editors: 

Press Credentials  

Members of the media can pick up press credentials during the following times and locations:

  • Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Winter Street Office, 2130 Winter St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

  • Friday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Health & Wellness Expo presented by Ivy Rehab, held in the Solutions Center at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Press should contact Ra’Chelle Rogers at rachelle.rogers@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: Media parking will be available in the Navy Yard. Press covering the finishing line activities are encouraged to arrive prior to 7 a.m.

A parking pass is required and must be requested and collected prior to Sunday. Please note there will be no parking in FDR Park on Sunday morning.

Media Availability

Race representatives will be available for interviews on Friday, May 1, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and on Sunday, May 3, at the finish line at the Navy Yard.

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its residents through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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