Broad Street Beats: An Ode to the City of Brotherly Love

After more than 40 years, it’s safe to say the Blue Cross Broad Street Run is as much of a Philadelphia institution as cheesesteaks, the Rocky Statue, and Jim Gardner.

While the finish lines and expo sites have changed over the years, the race date being on the first Sunday of May, rain or shine, never changed — until the COVID-19 pandemic. For the past two years, the Run has been postponed until October. So, we’re thrilled to be right back where we belong on May 1, 2022!

This year, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run’s theme is a love letter to Philadelphia. As you can see from the 2022 participants’ T-shirt, it celebrates the diversity and culture of the many neighborhoods Broad Street traverses. Each neighborhood you run through and landmark you see during the race has become iconic, keeping runners coming back year after year. We wanted this year’s Broad Street Beats playlist to flow with the same vibe.

Hit play right before you step over the starting line at North Broad Street and West Fisher Avenue. You’ll hear The Roots’ and John Legend’s “The Fire” blast in your ears. Get pumped with Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares,” Philly’s shout-out in “Dancing in the Street,” and Elton John’s classic “Philadelphia Freedom.” And a Philly-centric playlist wouldn’t be complete without Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly.”

As you approach the Stadium Complex, you can enjoy rock anthems like “Eye of the Tiger” and “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions.” As you move closer to the Finish Line, “The Final Countdown” should give you the extra boost you need to cross it.