40,000 expected for Broad Street Run

MARKING THE 35th year of Philadelphia's largest race, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run will offer a chance for some 40,000 runners to cross the finish line on Sunday.

The 10-mile race begins at Broad Street and West Fisher Avenue at 8:30 a.m. and will take runners past such landmarks as Temple University, City Hall, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Avenue of the Arts and the Philadelphia stadium complex before ending in the Navy Yard.

The run will feature increased security for the second consecutive year due to the Boston Marathon bombings last April. Philadelphia and SEPTA police officers will once again be on the lookout and prepared in the case of any threats from any of the runners or spectators.

All participants are expected to run at a pace no slower than 15 minutes per mile. Those who do not will be directed to the sidewalks.

Throughout the race, bicycles, skateboards, baby joggers, roller skates or blades, wheeled conveyances (other than wheelchairs), animals and portable media players are not permitted on the 10-mile course.

This year, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run will feature more than $27,000 in prize money, including a $1,000 bonus to any male or female runner who can better an existing course record.

The first man and woman to cross the finish line each get $3,000 and an award, and the first American male and female each take home $500 and an award.

There also will be $500 prizes and awards to the winners in the Masters Division and Open and Master Wheelchair Division.

The award ceremony is tentatively set for 10 a.m. in the Navy Yard.

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