Thank you to our team of all volunteer photographers. Please click the links below to access photos from the PRTC Indoor Classic! If you post the photos, please tag the photographers, @prtc_indoorclassic, and @phillyrunnertc.

 

Name	Instagram	Album Link	Photography Website
Walter Boyle	@WalterBoylePhotography	Full Album
Joseph Girard	@Frojoebaggins	Full Album
Aaron Tries Production	@Aaron_Tries	Coming Soon	Website
Franesca Frasco	@FrancescaFrasc		Website
Chelby Elam	@Chelbyelam	Sneak Peek	Website
Chris Frezza	@chrisfrezza	Dropbox Album	Website

 

PRTC Indoor Classic - Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

General

• Where will the meet be held?
• How do I get there?
• Where should I drop athletes off and park?
• Where do I warm up?
• Can I register as an individual, or do I need to be part of a club?
• How do I edit my answers to race questions or seed time after signing up?
• How do I register for the Distance Medley Relay?
• How do I join a Distance Medley Relay or swap my spot to someone else?
• Can I bring my own baton for the DMR?
• What ages are allowed to participate?
• What event should I sign up for?
• Will I be too slow?
• Is there food available at the Ott Center?
• Are showers and lockers available at the Ott Center?
• What's the track surface?
• Will the meet provide starting blocks?
• What kind of shoes can I wear?
• Will there be sections for masters runners (40+)?
• Can I spectate? Can my family or friends spectate?
• What is the layout of the facility?
• Are non-binary athletes permitted?
• Will there be an after party?

High Performance Sections, USATF, and World Athletics

• Is this race USATF Sanctioned?
• Is this race on the World Athletics calendar?
• Will there be pacers?
• Will you be prepared for record attempts?
• Will there be prizes?

Registration Details

• When does registration close?
• How much does it cost?

About Us/Support

• What is "PRTC"?
• How can I support the PRTC Indoor Classic?
• Why should I support the PRTC Indoor Classic?
• What do race proceeds and donations go to?
• Learn more about our sponsors

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General

Where will the meet be held?

The Jane and David Ott Center for Track and Field: 2910 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Google Maps)

How do I get there?

Mass Transit: Penn Medicine University City Station is the closest SEPTA Regional Rail stop to the Ott Center, located just a short walk away. This station is serviced by the Airport, Wilmington/Newark, and Media/Elwyn lines, providing a direct connection from various areas, including 30th Street Station, Center City, the Philadelphia International Airport, and the suburbs.

More information on transportation and campus map from Penn Athletics.

Where should I drop athletes off and park?

Drop off and meet official parking: The Ott Center entrance is on Hollenback Drive (under South Street Bridge) which can be accessed for athlete drop-off via River Field Drive from the I-76 E 346B Exit. Parking in the Hollenback Lot is available to key event officials and volunteers only. If you do not have a parking pass and you park down there, your car will be ticketed or towed by Penn Police.

Athlete and spectator parking: Metered parking in University City, Penn Museum Garage (South St. & Convention Ave), Penn Park Lot (31st & Lower Walnut), and Cira South Garage (129 S. 30th St.).

Where do I warm up?

The indoor track will be available for warm ups from 9am to 9:50am. After 9:50am, races will start and athletes can warm up in neighboring Penn Park or on the grass fields further down Hollenback Drive. The infield of the track will be closed for strides and staging events.

Can I register as an individual, or do I need to be part of a club?

You can register as an individual or as part of a Club (for the 200m, 800m, Mile, or 3K) or Distance Medley Relay team (for the DMR). The first person to sign up for your group will have to select "Create a Group", create a group name, and password. Subsequent club and relay team members will be able to join your group and enter the password upon registration.

How do I edit my answers to race questions or seed time after signing up?

1. Access the drop down menu in the top right then click "Profile"
2. Go to "Manage Registration" under the Upcoming Events tab.
3. Go to the "Questions" tab and edit your information.
4. You can change your seed time up until Tuesday, March 4th.

If you'd prefer, you can email philadelphiarunnertc@gmail.com to change your seed time.

How do I register for the Distance Medley Relay?

The DMR is open to individuals of all genders. Teams can be single gender or mixed gender. To register, the first person on your team needs to select "Create Team" during the registration process. Be sure to let your teammates know the team name you select. Then, the next three people can opt to join that team. While the registration page shows $0 for the DMR, the cost will be applied at checkout. Each participant will be charged $25 during regular registration (1/7/25 - 2/21/26), and $30 during late registration (2/22/26 - 3/4/26, or until the event sells out). DMR teams do not need to wear matching singlets.

How do I join a Distance Medley Relay or swap my spot to someone else?

If the individual has already purchased a DMR registration and wants to join/switch to an existing DMR:

1. Go to RunSignUp > Profile > Manage Registration
2. Go to "Club/Relay" in the Navigation Bar
3. Click "Join an existing Club/Relay" and search for your DMR. You may have to ask your relay captain for the password to join.
4. After joining, you will be automatically removed from your previous relay.

Or just email us at philadelphiarunnertc@gmail.com with your request.

If the individual has not yet purchased a DMR registration:

1. Go to RunSignUp Profile > Manage Registration of PRTC Indoor Classic
2. Go to "Transfer to Someone Else" in the Navigation Bar
3. Enter the name and email of the recipient.
4. Click the "Transfer as Gift" button. The recipient will receive a transfer invitation via email.
5. To complete the process, the recipient must access the link via email.

We highly recommend that relay roster additions and swaps are completed online ahead of the event. On meet day, relay captains can get a relay card at the clerking table to confirm the individuals racing and their leg assignments. Switching leg assignments (e.g. 1600m leg wants to switch to 1200m and vice versa) among relay members registered for the DMR can be done at no cost on the relay card at the clerking table.

Adding/swapping an individual with a DMR registration to your relay can be done at no cost by just filling out the relay card at the clerking station.

Athletes can purchase same-day DMR registrations at the clerking table. For example, if an individual is already registered for the 800m and wants to join their club's DMR team to complete it, they can purchase a DMR registration at the clerking table. Upon registration, the individuals will receive an athlete wristband (if they don't already have one). The payment process is cashless.

All changes to relays will be locked at 1pm on event day.

Can I bring my own baton for the DMR?

We will provide batons, but feel free to bring your own. You will just be responsible for it.

What ages are allowed to participate?

Anyone is welcome to participate; however, we recommend ages 16 and up. Races will be organized based on your reported expected pace to ensure a safe and competitive experience for all. All athletes below the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian sign the USATF competition waiver and email it to philadelphiarunnertc@gmail.com.

What event should I sign up for?

If you're unsure, consider these options: for a speed-focused race, try the 200m or 800m. For more endurance, consider the mile or 3000m. The Distance Medley Relay requires four participants. Find some teammates and friends!

Will I be too slow?

No! We will have opportunities for people from all running experience levels. For the 3,000m we recommend that all athletes run 15-minutes or faster (8-minute/mile), for the Mile we recommend that athletes be able to run 10-minutes or faster. For the mile and 3K, we will have mixed gender community heats that are organized based on expected time, so you will be able to compete with runners with similar ability levels.

Is there food available at the Ott Center?

There will be concessions available at the Ott Center and there are a number of nearby restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and convenience stores.

Are showers and lockers available at the Ott Center?

No. However, we are designating the fenced-in throwing area to be an athlete-only area where individuals can safely keep their bags and gear.

What's the track surface?

It is an 18-degree banked track.

Will the meet provide starting blocks?

The facility will provide starting blocks for all 200m athletes.

What kind of shoes can I wear?

Racing shoes, sneakers, or flats.

Ott Center Guidelines: If you wear spikes, the Ott Center is requiring you wear 1/4" pyramid spikes only. All footwear in the Ott Center will be checked prior to competition.

USATF/World Athletics guidelines: All athletes who seek to have USATF or World Athletics-certified performances must comply with footwear guidelines (this typically disqualifies footwear with a large stack height, e.g. Nike Alphaflys). Please consult with the full list of eligible footwear from World Athletics.

If you want to try on and race in demo spikes - find the free demo spike station courtesy of On and our On rep, Francesca!

Will there be sections for masters runners (40+)?

We will have sections for Men and Women's Masters athletes for the Mile, 200m, 400m, and 800m. These sections will be reserved for the fastest Masters athletes based on seed time. All other Masters runners will be distributed to mixed gender "Community" heats according to their seed time. As of November 2025, the number of Masters-only heats, the age divisions, and athletes we can accommodate in these heats is yet to be determined.

Can I spectate? Can my family or friends spectate?

Yes! There is a capacity for 1,000 spectators. Tickets will be available through Penn and can be purchased in-person at the ticket window or in advance online.

What is the layout of the facility?

You will enter and receive your wristband at the main entrance off of Hollenback Drive. Spectator seating is to the left along the homestretch. The athlete-only area consists of the bleachers and throwing pit along the back stretch. Space permitting, athletes can lay down and roll out in the throwing pit. If convenient, athletes can also wait for their event and spectate in the spectator section. Athletes and spectators will have different wristbands and spectators will not be allowed in the athlete area.

Are non-binary athletes permitted?

Yes. Non-binary athletes will have the opportunity to compete in mixed gender heats in any event and be recognized in a gender-affirming way. The event with a "High Performance" section (with prize money) for non-binary athletes will chosen depending on interest. Depending on how the size of that field develops, we will make a decision with these athletes whether they'd like to be in a standalone heat or spread across several mixed gender heats.

Will there be an after party?

Yes. Location to be announced!

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High Performance Athletes, USATF, and World Athletics

Is this race USATF Sanctioned?

Yes. The PRTC Indoor Classic will be USATF sanctioned (pending assignment to USATF indoor calendar). All men's and women's sections (including Masters sections) of the 200m, 400m, 800m, Mile, and 3,000m will follow the USATF Rules of Competition and are record eligible.

Is this race on the World Athletics calendar?

Yes. The PRTC Indoor Classic will be on the World Athletics calendar (pending approval). Performances at competitions on the World Athletics calendar will provide athletes with world ranking points and will count toward standard qualifications for any World Athletics Championships.

All athletes who seek World Athletics-certified performances must comply with footwear guidelines (this typically disqualifies footwear with a large stack height, e.g. Nike Alphaflys). Please consult with the full list of eligible footwear from World Athletics.

Will there be pacers?

We are expecting to furnish pacers for the following heats. If you have a pacing request, please email us at philadelphiarunnertc@gmail.com.

• Women's High Performance 3K: 5:00 pace for 1-2K
• Men's High Performance 3K: 4:20 pace for 1-2K
• Women's High Performance 800m: 65 secs through 400m
• Men's High Performance 800m: 55 secs through 400m
• Women's High Performance Mile: 2:20 through 800m
• Men's High Performance Mile: 1:59 through 800m
• Mixed Gender Community Mile Pacers:
  • 4:20 (2:10 through 800m)
  • 5:00 (2:30 through 800m)
  • 5:30 (2:45 through 800m)
  • 6:00 (3:00 through 800m)
  • 6:30 (3:15 through 800m)

These pacing assignments are tentative and may be adjusted depending on demand.

Will you be prepared for record attempts?

To ensure officials and volunteers are prepared, we ask that any athletes with the intention (or possibility) of breaking records notify us at indoorclassic@philadelphiarunnertrackclub.com by Saturday, March 1st.

Will there be prizes?

Cash prizes will be awarded to winners of the High-Performance sections and Penn Relays tickets courtesy of On for select heats. Prize pool will be $150 for M/F/NB for the High Performance Sections of the 400m, 3K, Mile, 800m, and 200m. If prize money is refused, we distribute it to the top finisher that can accept the prize money.

If a high school or collegiate athlete wins a prize, we ask that they first confirm with their coach and administration that they are eligible to accept the prize - which will be mailed to them promptly.

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Registration Details

When does registration close?

Registration closes on March 4th, 2026 or when the event reaches capacity.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary by event and registration period:

• Regular: November 14th to February 21st, 2026
• Late Registration: February 22nd to March 4th, 2026

Cost breakdown by event

Event	Regular	Late
200m, 800m, 400m, Mile	$35	$40
3,000m	$45	$50
Distance Medley Relay (4 participants)	$100 ($25 per person)	$120 ($30 per person

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About Us and Support

What is "PRTC"?

We are PRTC! PRTC stands for Philadelphia Runner Track Club. We were founded in 2000 as an athlete organized and operated competitive running team, we quickly grew to attract national-level talent from the greater Philadelphia area. In 2017 the team became an incorporated non-profit, and currently competes in the USATF Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix, USATF Club XC Nationals. We have over 200 members and our mission is to promote and foster the development of post-collegiate runners in the Philadelphia and the pursuit of their running goals. We offer training groups, coaching, sponsorship support, and above all, a community for runners looking to compete in track, road, cross country, and trail events on the local and national level.

Learn more at our website: https://www.philadelphiarunnertrackclub.com/about-us

How can I support the PRTC Indoor Classic?

Click the give page and donate, spread the word about the race with your club or group, and share the race on social media, tagging @phillyrunnertc.

Why should I support the PRTC Indoor Classic?

Your support can make a difference! By donating to Philadelphia Runner Track Club, you help us continue our mission of fostering the growth and development of post-collegiate runners and expanding access to competitive racing in the Philadelphia area.

Our all-comer's races create opportunities for athletes of all levels—from first-time racers to seasoned competitors chasing World Athletic Standards. We believe in building a strong, inclusive running community by offering high-quality, yet affordable race experiences, with automatic timing, pacers, elite athlete opportunities, and a fun, supportive atmosphere.

With your contribution, we can continue to host affordable and accessible races, expand to support jumps and throws athletes, provide coaching and sponsorship support to athletes, and foster a vibrant post-collegiate running community in Philadelphia.

What do race proceeds and donations go to?

• Organizing inclusive race events for athletes of all skill levels
• Access to world-class facilities, such as the Ott Center for Track and Field
• Ability to host a longer meet, with opportunities for all track and field events (e.g., jumps, throws, long-distance, race walkers, etc.)
• Development of post-collegiate runners through training groups, coaching, and sponsorship support

Help us create more opportunities for runners in the Philadelphia area! Together, we can keep the running community strong and thriving. Donate today to support all-comer's races and the next generation of athletics in Philadelphia.

Learn more about our sponsors

Click here to learn more about our sponsors

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Last updated: 11/13/2025