The registration for the 2025 Broad Street Run (BSR) opens in about 2 weeks. Then, there's 2 weeks of applying, holding your breath, and waiting. And then, we find out if we're in or out (don't worry, if you don't get in we'll let you know of some other options to put you in the corrals on Sunday, May 4th).
I've said I don't make resolutions, but this year I'm really focusing on being EARLY on as much as possible. As a Run Club Leader – what's up Original Propaganda Athletic Club (O.P.A.C.) – we're already planned out our entire two thousand and twenty–five. That obviously includes BSR, preparing us to provide the best race weekend experience for our Running Family. Here's what's on tap:
Friday, May 2
BIB PICKUP. If you can get over to the Race Expo on Friday, go ahead and get this out of the way.
REST. You have a massive 96 hours in front of you!
Saturday, May 3
SHAKEOUT RUN. The last easy miles before the big dance. We try to start/end near wherever our post–run brunch spot will be. In an ideal world, we'd shakeout close to the Race Expo, making it logistically easy for runners who haven't had a chance to pick up their bibs.
FAMILY BRUNCH. We always have "Weekend Club" after Run Club, but on race weekends it's special. We opt for an actual restaurant vs. a coffee shop, so we have a chance to break bread one last time before the race. And for the folks who are staffing our Cheer Section, the celebration begins here. Hahaha I'm not running, I'll drink this beer for you. That's what good teammates do haha!
KIT DISTRIBUTION. If you're wearing new club apparel for BSR, handing it out after the Shakeout, or at the Family Brunch, is another great way to add electricity to the Race Weekend. I don't know about you, but very few things amp me up (pun intended) than new merch. This will also give folks plenty of time to go home and get their "lay down" or "flat lay" stories and posts on Instagram.
BIB PICKUP. If you didn't make it over to the Expo Friday.
FAMILY DINNER. We used to do a Carb Load dinner, but so many of our runners have their pre–race rituals, we've opted for brunch. When we used to have Family Dinner, it was at a restaurant that served pasta and pizza – but also had vegan, dairy–free, and gluten–free options.
Sunday, May 4
PRE–RACE PHOTO. We used to coordinate a pre–race photo for our runners, but see Family Dinner above. So many of our runners have their pre–race rituals, we've decided to eliminate anything that would distract from the main event, which is The Race.
THE RACE. Game Time! Good Luck!
CHEER SECTION. Runners' Right! When O.P.A.C. started 12.5 years ago, one of the groups we looked up to is Run Dem Crew in London. Their founder and leader, my brother Charlie Dark, preached "If you don't run, you MUST cheer"! It's not optional. It's mandatory, law, canon. I can talk all day about Cheer Section, but here's 2 quick tips: (1) gather everyone's bib numbers beforehand and have at least one person who's tracking and calling out when runners are close to passing through the Cheer Section, and (2) bring a photographer. Everyone loves race pics!
POST RACE BRUNCH. Party time! Unless you have a place that you frequent annually, make a reservation. This city will be hopping! The Phillies are playing a home game, and the Flyers and Sixers might be in the playoffs. Restaurants and bars could be crowded.
POST BRUNCH #$%&. This is a family–friendly program, but the party never stops at brunch haha!
Monday, May 5
MEDAL MONDAY. Get your pics up on social media! Drop a slide show or group pic on the Club's Instagram page. If your club doesn't have an Instagram page yet, set one up. We want to celebrate you!
Fin. What's your club doing? Same? Anything different? Drop me a line and LMK!
We've got you covered for EVERYTHING Broad Street Run this year, including answers to frequently asked questions, raceday tips, and product suggestions. Continue your online visit with us, or stop by one of our store locations:
PR Center City: 1711 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR Manayunk: 4358 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR Glen Mills: 505 Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills, PA