Broad Street Run 2015 Race Recap

I am originally from the Philly area and got into running after I moved away so I was really excited to be able to run Broad Street for the first time . The Broad Street Run is the largest 10 mile road race in the country and is most definitely a staple of Philadelphia-area running. It's actually so popular now that they moved to a lottery system for entry a few years ago. It always falls near my birthday so I was excited to be able to run it and get in the lottery this year.  

Expo: The expo was a decent size and efficient. I didn't get the tech tee initially, but ended up buying a tech shirt vintage design from Modell's on sale while I was at the expo. They had it in the convention center so it was spacious but not overloaded with vendors. I'd like being able to go on a Friday afternoon and beating the crowds.  I had just gotten back from a family vacation the day before so it was nice to be able to have a relaxed day in the city.  

Of course I stopped by the Bondiband booth to check out their designs. 

Remember you can always use my code BREATHEBLOG to save 10% on their website off their headbands compression socks, and more!

Race: My boyfriend and I parked at the Stadium Complex at the start since it's a point-to-point race. We took the Septa train from there all the way to the start at the beginning of the line. They let runners ride for free to the start so even though it was packed, thank goodness there was no ticketing delays. The trains got very crowded, and it seemed that people in the middle of the line at stops couldn't get on. Once we got off, we parted ways as I made my way towards the corral. The weather was already quite warm so I immediately ditched my throwaway shirt as I entered the crowd of people.  

I was pissed that I wasn't even close to getting into my corral because it was too crowded. I thought it wouldn't be so bad since I was in the Orange corral which wasn't too far back. However, once the race started and my corral went I was able to get in pretty smoothly. It was amazing starting a race with 45,000 runners. The energy was amazing! 

 My legs weren't feeling the best probably due to my lack of stretching plus all the walking I'd done over the past week in Disney World so my goal was honestly to just have fun and enjoy this race. I've heard so much about it and wanted to enjoy the beautiful day in Philadelphia. 

I loved the spectators, especially in the middle of the race. It was a warm day so I really appreciated the consistent water stops with plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. I was out there just to have fun and really loved the energy and atmosphere of the race. Most races in Philly start on the Ben Franklin Pkwy and go through Fairmount Park so it was really awesome to get to run down an area that you usually don't get to! I loved passing some areas you may not usually run by. I don't think Broad Street is completely shut down for any other races.  I remember passing Temple University and loving the crowd and the fact that they had their band out there playing. I also came by an awesome cheer zone that featured some of the November Project Philadelphia tribe. High-fives are always welcome during a race for me. 

Since it is literally 10 straight, flat miles down Broad Street so there were points later in the race that I was getting bored from running so straight. It did get a little warm after I'd been running for a while too. I'm glad I had my visor and had chosen shorts & tank instead of a different outfit. I really loved the finish at the last mile by the Navy Yard and going through that chute with spectators all around. I even found a fellow Team Nuun ambassador decked out in Nuun gear within the last mile whom I got to say hi to.  

I finished in 1:17:15, average 7:43 min/mi pace with a negative split.   It's not my fastest 10 miler, but is still a great time especially for how much fun I had! Finishing in the top 10% in such a big race is also an awesome feeling. It was also a definite reminder that I need to up my hydration and get used to running in the heat again.  

Post-Race: I wish we got the medals sooner after finishing because it was a little confusing. There was a nice finish area, but I was really upset my boyfriend wasn't allowed in because he had a bag. I thought they would just check his bag and let him in, but he was refused so that sucks. I don't think that was advertised well.  I love when I get refreshments in a bag after a race and especially LOVE Philly soft pretzels as my post-race carbs so I was happy. I didn't stick around the finish area long so I could meet up with my boyfriend outside of it. 

They did a nice job making it fair-like at the end of the race. There was lots of open space on the grass, plenty of vendors, and even some activities for kids like a petting zoo. You know I totally went and checked out the little goats! 

The mile walk back to the stadium wasn't bad. There was lots going on in the city that day, but I honestly just felt like going home, getting into comfy clothes, and having breakfast with my family.  I think I was still drained from travelling and now running in the heat.  

Overall: I thought it was a well-organized, fun, high-energy race and would definitely do it again. It's something ever Philly-area runner should do at least once!

Positive energy always helps! My bracelet is from Momentum Jewelry (click on the link to save!). 

Have you ever ran or heard of the Broad Street Run? What's your favorite post-race refreshment?

This post was linked up to the Silvah Linings' 5th Race Recap Link-up.