The nation’s largest 10-mile race is just days away as 40,000 runners prepare to hit the pavement for the 47th annual Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run on Sunday.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the race:
The course goes from the Central High School Athletic Field in Philadelphia’s Logan section to the Navy Yard.
The race begins at 7 a.m.
Track runners along the course and get notifications by registering on the Broad Street Run website. No app is required.
Road Closures
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.
WATCH: 6abc staffers among those preparing for Broad Street Run
If you’re getting ready for the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, you have plenty of company from those of us at 6abc.
The roads will reopen once all the runners are cleared. City officials said, based on previous years, the course is expected to reopen by noon.
A race guide is available on the Broad Street Run website.
Detours
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, avoid areas along the racecourse, as well as allow for extra driving time and proceed with caution during the race.
The Philadelphia Police Department will be assigned to detours along the run route to assist motorists and help ensure safety for the runners.
There will also be an I-95 South detour since the Walt Whitman Bridge/Packer Avenue exit is closed for construction.
During the race, all Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run traffic should exit at the Columbus Boulevard/Washington Avenue exit. Then, turn right on Columbus Boulevard and follow it all the way until it turns into Pattison Avenue.
How to get there
Officials say taking public transportation will be the best way to get to the course.
If you’re within the city, you can take the B (Broad Street Line). Runners can ride for free with their race bib.
You’ll want to board at any station and ride north to Olney Transportation Center to get to the starting line. Trains are expected to run frequently, but expect crowds, officials say.
If you’re walking, organizers say to follow signs for Center High School Athletic Field. Make sure you allow extra time for security and corrals.
For those traveling from the suburbs, you’ll want to take the Regional Rail to Suburban Station, then transfer to the B Line at City Hall, riding north to Olney Transportation Center.
PATCO is the best option for those coming from New Jersey. Ride the PATCO to 12th/13th & Locust Streets. Then, walk two blocks west to Broad & Locust Streets, where you can enter the B Line and ride north to Olney Transportation Center.
If you need to drive, organizers warn not to drive to the start area, as there is no parking allowed nearby.
Parking & Restrictions
Prior to Sunday, “No Parking” signs will be posted at the starting area, along the racecourse and in the center median of Broad Street.
Drivers can park at the Stadium Complex for free. Lots open at 4 a.m. and will close when they are full. From there, you’ll be able to take the B Line north from NRG Station to Olney Transportation Center. Free shuttles will be available after the race to return to the lots.
Parking will also be available at any downtown parking garage in Center City. From there, you will need to walk to the B station and ride north to Olney Transportation Center.
Parking restrictions will be in place:
Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ride Share Zone
Rideshare drop-off zones will be at Broad Street and Chew Avenue, as well as Ogontz and Somerville avenues.
The designated pick-up location is the P Lot next to Citizens Bank Park. Have your ride enter P Lot from the 7th Street gate. If the P Lot is full, your ride can park on 7th Street, between Patterson and Packer avenues.
Drivers must always remain with their vehicles, organizers say. Any vehicle left unattended will be towed.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians can expect delays when crossing roads or streets along the racecourse, according to city officials.
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.
Best Spots to Watch
Temple University – N. Broad Street and Montgomery Ave.
N. Broad and Spring Garden Streets (Halfway mark)
City Hall – 15th and Market Streets (Easy spot to get through by public transportation)
Kimmel Center – S. Broad and Spruce Streets
Ivy Rehab – S. Broad Street, between McKean and Mifflin Streets
American Cancer Society – S. Broad and Hartranft Streets
Kids Zone
There will be a Kids Run & Fun Zone in the northwest quadrant of the Parade Grounds.
The area will feature age-based races, dashes, and family-friendly activities for children under 12, along with entertainment and refreshments for participants.
Parents must be present and all children must be registered to participate, organizers said.
Online registration is now closed, but families can still register at the Health & Wellness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, or at the finish line beginning at 6:30 a.m. on race day.
Restrooms & Water
There will be more than 500 portable toilets available near the start line.
Water stations will be marked with blue flags at the start and along the course.
Officials remind both participants and viewers to hydrate early and often.
Public Safety
As with any event, city officials are reminding people that if you see something — say something.
The public can text “RUNPHL” to 888777, to get free alerts directly to your phone.
Officials also said drones are not allowed over the course for safety reasons. Anyone who sees a drone is asked to report its location and operator to the nearest public safety official.
A lost child reunification center will be located at the registration tent on the Parade Grounds in the Navy Yard.