Full Coronavirus Vaccination Required For Broad Street Run

PHILADELPHIA — Participants in the 2021 Blue Cross Broad Street Run must be vaccinated against the coronavirus, officials announced Friday.

Philadelphia's Parks & Recreation Friday said proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person participation in this year's run, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 10.

All registered participants who want to run in-person need to have their vaccination completed by Sunday, Sept. 26, two weeks before race day.

Proof of full vaccination will need to be provided to run organizers by Friday, Oct. 8. Registered runners and event volunteers will receive an invitation to upload their vaccination card through a secure online registration system.

The vaccination requirement is based on guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

Officials said the requirement is to ensure athletes' safety and promote public health.

All registered runners, regardless of vaccination status, have the option to participate in the 2021 virtual run.

Other new safety measures in place include:

• Masks are required for runners at the Expo, at the start of the race, and at the finish line. Masks are required throughout for all staff and volunteers.
• The Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 Blue Cross Broad Street Run Expo is limited to fully vaccinated registered runners and volunteers.
• Spectators will not be permitted at the start of the race or the finish line.
• Spectators are strongly discouraged from attending the race in person, but can watch live on NBC10.
• Activities along the race route (such as cheer zones) will be suspended.

"The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is an annual opportunity for Philadelphians to come together to celebrate the health and vitality of our community," said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. "Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the single most important thing any of us can do this year to keep runners, their families, and our community safe."

The race will be broadcast live in its entirety from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10 on NBC10 and Telemundo62, and streamed live on the stations’ digital platforms.

See full details on the race here.