It is easy to see why the Philadelphia Marathon stands head and
shoulders above most. Now in its 16th year, it is not only one of the
nation’s premier running events but it also has been rated as one of
the top 15 largest marathons in the country. Runners of all abilities,
from first-timers to elites, will take to these historic streets. Enjoy
a memorable marathon weekend complete with plenty of amenities and
activities, including a Health and Fitness Expo and Runner’s Buffet
Dinner. Explore this dynamic, cosmopolitan city and discover your own
reasons to love Philadelphia.
This
fast, fairly flat course (highest elevation 100 ft.) is often noted as
a great place to run a Boston qualifier. But even if you are not a
marathoner or don’t have time to train, you can still get in on the
action of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend with racing options that
include a full marathon, a half-marathon, and the Rothman Institute 8K
Race. And remember, all races are walker friendly. What a great way for
runners of all experience and skill levels to satisfy their competitive
spirit and join the excitement and fun!
Don’t forget about the kids! Round them up on Saturday, November 21
at 10:30 a.m. for the Kids Fun Run, a short distance, non-competitive
event for ages 4 to 12. Each age group will run age-appropriate
distances. Kids will receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race
refreshments and more. Don’t miss a terrific fun-filled opportunity for
young Marathon hopefuls to experience simulated marathon conditions
while being introduced to the benefits of running and fitness.
The Course
With 26 miles and 385 yards of history, there is simply no other
marathon course like it! Here, along these venerable streets, Americans
began their quest for freedom and independence. Every inch of the
course is alive with excitement and inspiration that is unparalleled.
You will be wowed by the diversity of your surroundings from start to
finish. The Marathon begins and finishes on Parisian-style Benjamin
Franklin Parkway, a world-class cultural corridor. The scenic Ben
Franklin Parkway is adorned with flags of the world. It leads to the
crowning jewel of the Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which in
itself is a wonder to behold, with its cascading steps that were made
famous in the film Rocky.
The
course highlights include the lively neighborhoods of University City,
home to six colleges and universities, including the University of
Pennsylvania and Drexel University. These tree-lined streets feature
fabulous architecture and are a fine example of a diverse urban
community, where education and culture are thriving.
The sights along the popular riverside community of Manayunk,
nestled on the banks of the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal are
sure to delight runners. The marathon course is a fine way to celebrate
our Revolutionary heritage, as runners zip past landmarks such as
Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell, as well
as the waterfront at Penn’s Landing on the banks of the Delaware River.
The list continues with the idyllic landscape along the Schuylkill
River -- home to Fairmont Park, one of the largest landscaped city
parks in the world and a true urban escape. The Fairmont Water Works, a
Greek-inspired masterpiece of early 1800’s industrial engineering and
architecture, is guaranteed to impress runners as they continue through
the second half of the marathon.
The
Philadelphia Marathon is a world-class athletic event. With more than
2,000 volunteers on hand to support both pre-race activities as well as
race day activities, you can be assured that all of the essential race
details are covered to make this an outstanding racing experience for
runners.
Participants are encouraged to at the starting point at 22nd Street
and Benjamin Franklin Parkway by 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 22. The
course is fast, with digital splits provided at each mile. Hydration
stations are set up throughout the course.
Be
sure to bring your own cheering section, because spectators are a big
part of this race. Fans can catch the wave of marathon excitement while
cheering on their favorite runners with great spectator overlooks
throughout the course at key venues at various designated Cheer Zones.
These areas feature unobstructed, transportation-accessible,
fan-friendly perches to watch all of the race activity.
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