The Broad Street 10 miler or The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is the iconic race of Philadelphia. Nothing gets people out of the door, motivated and moving like the 50,000 person race down Broad Street.
The streets flooded with locals running or locals cheering. Everyone chooses to run Broad Street for different reasons, however, every year in early May the 10 mile stretch of road unites us all.
- For some runners, it’s about finishing their first race.
- For others it’s for a personal best or running with a team.
- For other runners, it’s about fundraising for an important cause or a charity.
Everyone has a reason to enter the lottery and as the nation’s biggest 10-mile race, it never fails to disappoint racers.
So as you prepare in the final days before Broad Street 10 miler, what are some important things to remember?
Get there early
With 50,000 runners, it’s crowded. The restroom lines are long, and it typically takes upwards of 30+ minutes of standing in line. You want to be at the start line 1 hour early. It will give you enough time to use the restroom as well as drop off your bag. As they say, the early bird gets the worm but in this case, it's the bathroom.
Before the Race Plan Where to Meet the Other Members of Your Party
50,000 people are running Broad Street. Make sure you have a meeting point at the Navy Yard. Do not wait until race day to plan this out.
Corrals are there for a reason
Don’t jump into a faster seeded corrals. The corrals are there for a reason, for the safety of you and other racers.
Don’t Use Someone Else’s Bib
It might not seem like a big deal, however, your bib includes your medical information. If something happens, first responders will have no idea who you are. In the event that you cannot run the race, Broad Street does do a legal bib transfer program. It isn't about the money or profit but the safety of yourself and other racers. Using someone's else's bib can put yourself in danger.
Don’t Forget Throwaway Clothing:
The weather for this time of year is unpredictable. You’ll have to check your clothing well before the race so make sure you have something you can part with. Spring Clean your closet and find an old sweatshirt you haven't used in awhile and won't miss. It will be donated and put to better use. Another idea includes cutting a hole in a trash bag.
Last but not least: Have Fun!
You signed up and paid for this after all. Don’t forget the most important part of the race is to have fun. Sure there are the medals, the glory and a possible PR but at the end of the day, the most important question is: Did you have fun?
Guest Blogger - Hollie Sick
@fueledbyLOLZ
