PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An estimated 40,000 runners will take over Broad Street Sunday morning for the 46th Annual Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run.
The 10-mile race begins at Central High School’s athletic field between Fisher and Somerville avenues and ends at the Navy Yard. It’s the largest 10-mile race in the country, and this year, it starts earlier than usual.
“The run is starting at a new start time this year, we’re kicking it off at 7 a.m. on Sunday,” said Rahel Rogers, director of communications for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
She explained that the race would start half an hour earlier than the traditional time to give runners, spectators, and city services a smoother experience.
“This race is one of the most beloved Philadelphia traditions that we have.”
Parking restrictions and road closures will be in effect along the route. There will be no parking on Broad Street from Olney Avenue to the Navy Yard between 2 a.m. and noon on Sunday, May 4. Tow trucks will remove vehicles parked along the race course.
“Parking restrictions and closures will be reinforced by the Philadelphia Police Department, and motorists really should be sure to use alternate routes, avoid areas along the race course, give themselves extra time and proceed with caution during the race,” Rogers said.
Broad Street will be closed in phases: from Olney to Windrim at 4 a.m., Windrim to Erie at 6:30 a.m., and the remainder of Broad from Olney to the Navy Yard at 7:15 a.m. Officials expect the entire route to reopen by noon.
Police will be on hand to manage pedestrian crossings, and the use of drones over the course is prohibited.
Runners can pick up their bibs and gear at the Health and Wellness Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.