The 42nd Annual Blue Cross Broad Street Race is back! On Sunday, May 1, more than 25,000 runners will travel from North Philadelphia to South Philadelphia on Broad Street.
The 2022 edition of the iconic 10-mile race looks a lot like previous years, but there are changes to be aware of. Let’s “walk through” the list:
When is the Blue Cross Broad Street race?
The race starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 1. There are seven “waves” of runners based on their expected finish times.
Where is the Blue Cross Broad Street Race?
The race will start at Broad Street and West Fisher Avenue in North Philadelphia, cross the city and end at the NovaCare Complex on Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia.
What exactly is the hippodrome?
This year’s route will be the same as 2021, with a downtown loop near City Hall and another loop at the Sports Complex. Due to construction in the Navy Yard, the race will once again end on Pattison Avenue, just west of Broad Street.
Here is the 2022 course map courtesy of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation:
Will spectators be allowed along the course?
Spectators are strongly discouraged from congregating along the course, according to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Instead of cheer zones, five entertainment zones with live bands will be spread throughout the race course.
How can I watch my friends and family run?
NBC10 and Telemundo62 have fans covered by our annual live stream and on our apps. NBC10 will air the race from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a “Live from the Start Line” pre-race special at 7:30 a.m. Telemundo62 will air the race from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. before football coverage .
Are masks compulsory for runners?
Race officials announced Friday that masks are not required for runners at the start or finish line. They will be made available to anyone who wants them.
Do I need a negative COVID test before running?
No. Runners heading to Broad Street on Sunday had to provide proof of vaccination during the registration process. All in-person runners over the age of 5 must be fully vaccinated.
Negative COVID-19 tests are not accepted by authorities in lieu of proof of vaccination.
Registered runners who have not presented proof of vaccination can participate in a virtual race. Around 900 runners will complete the virtual race.
What’s the best way to get to the race?
SEPTA offers free rides for riders registered on the Broad Street Line to the start line, located between Olney Transportation Center and Logan Stations, and back to the start or home.
Entrants must show their competitor’s official bib number to a SEPTA cashier to receive free entry. Otherwise, a one-way cash ticket on the Broad Street Line will cost $2.50.
Allow plenty of time, as the trains are packed.
Are there any road closures?
Yes, the phased road closures for the race will begin at 2 a.m. Sunday and will include:
- 2 am Pattison Ave from S 20th St to Broad St
- 4am Broad St from Olney Ave to Windrim Ave
- 7 a.m. Broad St from Windrim Ave to Pattison Ave
- 7:15 a.m. from Arch St to Chestnut St
- 7 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 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 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
The city says the roads will reopen after street sweepers clear the race course. The city expects the course to reopen at noon, with the exception of some areas on Pattison Avenue. Motorists in this area should expect delays.
What’s the weather like?
First-alert meteorologist Bill Henley says the race forecast looks dry at the moment. Partly to mostly sunny skies are expected on Sunday with cool morning temperatures and highs in the mid-60s.
Will there be water stations?
Yes, the usual water station set up will resume this year.
What happens after the race?
Here is an overview of the medal that all runners will receive once they cross the finish line.
The awards ceremony, medal distribution and other finish line activities will take place in the parking lot next to the NovaCare complex.
Families and spectators are currently not permitted at the finish line. The activities are reserved for registered runners.
Runners and families are however invited to the official Broad Street Run After Party at Chickie’s & Pete’s on Packer Ave. until 3 p.m. All ages are welcome.
When and where is the Pre-Race Expo held?
The Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Penn Orthopedics, will take place Friday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
This year’s exhibition is open to the public.
All race participants who plan to run in person should come to the Expo before the race to pick up their bib, IPICO timing device, t-shirt and race guide.
Does the race benefit charity?
Yes, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run has five charitable partners: American Cancer Society, American Association of Cancer Research, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Students Run Philly Style and Back On My Feet. According to the race’s website, partners benefit from runners’ donations and pledges.