A Viewer’s Guide to the 2012 Broad Street Run
The Facts
The Broad Street Run has been held on the first Sunday of May ever since 1980, making this the 33rd year. It is the largest 10-mile race in the United States with over 30,000 runners competing this year. The race starts at Central High School Athletic Field at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue at 8:30 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 Ave.), located near the Pattison stop of the SEPTA Broad Street line
Note: The lots at the Wells Fargo Center were supposed to be made available for Broad Street runners and spectators, but due to a 76ers playoff game at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the stadium has decided to keep its lots closed to race participants. Also, this year no parking will be permitted on Pattison Avenue or inside the Navy Yard
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 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
Carman’s Country Kitchen, 1301 South 11th Street, 215-339-9613
Jones, 700 Chestnut Street, 215-223-5663
Kanella, 1001 Spruce Street, 215-922-1773
Lacroix, 210 West Rittenhouse Square, 215-790-2533
Mémé, 2201 Spruce Street, 215-735-4900
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
Supper, 926 South Street, 215-592-8180
Tinto, 114 South 20th Street, 215-665-9150
