Runners get set! Online Registration for Blue Cross Broad Street Run Opens February 15

Total number of available spots increased to 33,000

Philadelphia, PA — February 14, 2012 — Online registration for the 33rd annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run on May 6 opens February 15 at broadstreetrun.com. For the 16th consecutive year, Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the 10-miler, which begins at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue and ends inside the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The race has been the nation’s largest 10-miler for the past three years.

Due to increased demand, the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, which manages the annual race, has increased registration by 3,000, to 33,000 runners. Race director Jim Marino urges interested runners to sign up quickly. “Last year we sold out in four days and we expect a similar, if not faster, response from our running community,” said Marino. “We’re very happy that this race has become the most anticipated racing event in our region and beyond, and that we can safely accommodate more people this year.”

Since it began in 1980 with 1,500 runners, the race has steadily grown with more than 25,000 runners finishing the race in 2011, including more than 9,000 IBC members. Over the past ten years, the race has raised more than $550,000 for the American Cancer Society, all of which has gone directly to research and patient care. 2012 registration fees are $40.

“We’re excited that the Blue Cross Broad Street Run continues to grow in popularity and that this year even more people can participate,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. “Exercise is a critical part of maintaining good health, which is one reason why we support this race as well as many other community fitness activities throughout the year. We encourage our members to adopt a healthy lifestyle through our fitness reimbursements and other health-related programs and incentives, and are excited that each year more and more people running the race are IBC members.”

IBC hosts a very active and popular Blue Cross Broad Street Run Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ibxrun10. Race updates are posted regularly and runners can connect with one another, exchange training tips, and share stories.

While the city of Philadelphia is excited that more people are able to participate this year, Marino says that running isn’t the only way to enjoy the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. “As the race gets bigger, we can always use more volunteers to help provide water, staff the food stations at the finish, and serve in many other areas,” said Marino. “And we also hope to have more spectators this year. It’s a huge boost for runners to hear the cheers and applause along the route and to know they are supported not only by their friends and family, but also from the entire Philadelphia community. Cheer zones will be located along the racecourse and at many of the Dunkin’ Donuts stores along Broad Street.”

IBC is also sponsoring two other fitness events this year that are open to the public:

• National Walk @ Lunch Day, April 25, 2012. Spearheaded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, this national event encourages employers in cities throughout the United States to hold lunchtime walks for their employees. In 2011, more than 14,000 people participated, including workers across the five counties, students from local schools, and walkers from area senior centers.

• American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, October 6, 2012. This family-and team-friendly 5K walk on West River Drive strives to raise awareness about and money for research and education about diabetes, a debilitating chronic illness that affects nearly 26 million adults and children, including one in nine people in Philadelphia. Of the 132 participating cities, the 2011 Philadelphia walk was the highest grossing Step Out walk in the nation, and attracted 3,200 participants who raised more than $577,000.

About the Blue Cross Broad Street Run

The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is managed by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department with the cooperation of city agencies and more than 85 volunteer groups. The race is held the first Sunday in May, and the course includes a variety of Philadelphia neighborhoods along Broad Street. The race raises funds for the American Cancer Society.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @ibx.

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Contact: 
Ruth Stoolman
Ruth.Stoolman@ibx.com
215-241-4807

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