Rocky Run 2026: 40,000 runners set to close downtown streets
The annual race sold out all distance categories, requiring extensive road closures in Center City and Fairmount Park this Saturday.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Philadelphia’s most anticipated running event returns this month, bringing a large influx of participants to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Rocky Run officially sold out across all distances, with organizers estimating 40,000 people will gather for the event.
The race takes place on Saturday, November 14, starting and ending in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While the finish line is located near the museum steps, the official course does not require runners to climb them. The 5K begins at 7:00 a.m., followed by the 10-mile run at 8:00 a.m.
A third category, the 13.1 Italian Stallion Challenge, combines the 5K and 10-mile distances back-to-back. Participants who complete both receive three finisher medals. Race officials stated the event will proceed in rain or shine, though they reserve the right to delay or alter the schedule if lightning strikes.
Runners must collect their bibs, packets, and shirts before race day. Packets are not mailed. Pickup is available at the Rivers Casino Event Center at 1001 N. Delaware Ave. from Wednesday, November 11, through Friday, November 13. Hours run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Participants need a QR code from their confirmation email to claim their gear. Friends or family members may pick up items using that code, but waivers must be signed by the participant online in advance or in person at pickup. No one else may sign a waiver. Shirt exchanges are not offered at packet pickup, though unworn shirts can be swapped on race day after 8:00 a.m. if stock allows.
Those missing the pre-race pickup windows can buy a Race Day Packet Pick-Up upgrade for $20. This option is available through the Active account portal until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13. Race day pickup occurs between 6:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. in the main festival area.
Road closures begin on Friday, November 13, for event setup. The inner lanes of the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will close between 22nd Street and Binswanger Triangle from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eakins Oval in front of the museum will also close from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Rocky Day celebrations.
Extensive closures begin at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. Affected areas include the 2200 to 2400 blocks of the Parkway, Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 24th Street, and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from Eakins Oval to Falls Bridge. Additional streets in Fairmount Park and West Philadelphia will close at 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., including Strawberry Mansion Bridge and Kelly Drive.
Most streets will reopen by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Eakins Oval will fully reopen by 3:00 p.m., while MLK Drive remains closed for the rest of the weekend per its regular recreational schedule. SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will operate on detours from 4:00 a.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. The city will relocate illegally parked vehicles along the race routes.
