A Viewer’s Guide to the 2015 Broad Street Run
Blue Cross Broad Street Run | Photo by Jeff Fusco
Planning on parking yourself somewhere along Broad Street to watch the hoards of runners pounding the pavement toward the Navy Yard Sunday morning? Here, everything you need to know before you head out the door, from where to park to where you’ll find fellow spectators to cheer with to where to get brunch afterward. Have fun — and don’t forget to come bearing a good sign!
The Facts
The Broad Street Run has been held on the first Sunday of May since 1980, making this the 35th year. It is the largest 10-mile race in the United States with over 40,000 runners competing this year. The race starts at Central High School Athletic Field at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue at 8:00 a.m., and finishes inside the Philadelphia Navy Yard at the end of Broad Street in South Philadelphia. The run is known for its flat, even slightly downhill course, making it a favorite for athletes trying to set new personal records. Patrick Cheruyiot holds the men’s course record at 45:14 in 2007, and Catherine Ndereba holds the women’s course record at 53:07 in 1999. This year, the awards ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
Where to Park Near the Finish Line
• Behind the stadium complex in the Citizens Bank Park lot
• FDR Park (enter from Pattison Avenue), located near the Pattison stop of the SEPTA Broad Street line
• Wells Fargo Center lots
Where to Park Near Broad Street
• Autopark at Jefferson: 1418 South 10th Street, $6 for a half-hour to $20 for 24 hours
• Gateway Parking Garage: 1540 Vine Street, $3 for 20 minutes to $20 for over 10 hours
• Autopark at 8th and Filbert: 801 Filbert Street, $3 for 20 minutes to $20 for 24 hours
Best Places to Watch
As long as you’re on Broad Street, you can stand anywhere and see runners fly (that’s the beauty of a race along a single street). But these are the spots on the 10-mile route where you’re likely to find a good bunch of fellow spectators.
• The Start area near Broad and Fisher Street
• North Broad Street along the Temple University Campus
• North Broad Street at Callowhill near the Philadelphia Daily News Building
• City Hall (West Side at Dilworth Plaza)
• Broad and Walnut Streets outside The Bellevue
• South Broad Street along the Avenue of the Arts
• South Broad Street at Carpenter (High School for the Creative and Performing Arts)
• South Broad Street at Federal (Note: This year, Students Run Philly Style is introducing the mile of cheer from Broad and Federal to Broad and Ritner; Back on my Feet will be at Federal, and more groups will be along the mile.)
• South Broad Street at Jackson
• South Broad Street at Packer Avenue, one block from Chickie’s & Pete’s
• Broad and Pattison at the Sports Complex
Where To Brunch After The Race:
Ants Pants Cafe, 2212 South Street, 215-875-8002
El Rey, 2013 Chestnut Street, 215-563-3330
Honey’s Sit N’ Eat, 2101 South Street, 215- 732-5130
Jones, 700 Chestnut Street, 215-223-5663
Kanella, 1001 Spruce Street, 215-922-1773
Lacroix, 210 West Rittenhouse Square, 215-790-2533
Percy Street Barbecue, 900 South Street, 215-625-8510
Sabrina’s Cafe, 910 Christian Street, 215-574-1599, and 1804 Callowhill Street, 215-636-9061
Sidecar Bar and Grill, 2201 Christian Street, 215-732-3429
Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how:
- Like Be Well Philly on Facebook
- Follow Be Well Philly on Twitter
- Follow Be Well Philly on Pinterest
- Get the Be Well Philly Newsletter
