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The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend: A Real City Showcase
- Mar 9
- 6 min read
Four events, from the Philadelphia Marathon Marathon to a Children's Run and four challenges, including The Liberty Bell, this is the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held every November and one of the biggest in the US. Fast and scenic courses weave past historic landmarks, through urban neighborhoods, and along Philadelphia's picturesque waterfronts.
The Destination
Philadelphia, often known as Philly, is one of the most historically significant cities in the US having served as the capital until 1800. Located in the state of Pennsylvania it has a population of 1.6 million and a huge range of attractions for all markets. Only two hours from New York it's often overlooked by overseas visitors but it has plenty to offer. There are many history-making locations like the Independence Hall. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site first opened in 1753 and where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Here you can see the Liberty Bell that bears a timeless message: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof". Abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates and Civil Rights leaders took inspiration from the inscription on this bell. Philly also has the Reading Terminal Market, one of America's largest and oldest public markets that opened in 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building and offers an incredible selection of locally grown and exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections. There are a huge range of different cuisines, from soul food and exquisite Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to authentic Philly cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare. And then of course there's Rocky.
The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps are two of the most famous attractions in the city and both feature in Marathon weekend. The Rocky Statue was created for the Rocky III movie and when filming was complete in 1980 the bronze masterpiece was donated to the city. It's now located outside the Museum of Art at the bottom of the steps, famous for a scene from the movie where Rocky makes an iconic two arms raised salute. The views of the city from the top of the steps are superb, but you won't be on your own. Rocky most definitely brings tens of thousands to the city annually and this is the place many want to visit.
There are more than 10,000 acres of park lands including Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture in LOVE Park and the stunning Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. Check out the Betsy Ross House where the first American flag was sewn. The City's Zoo, a course highlight, is yet another major attraction that definitely warrants a visit. There is plenty to see here; a city that both the half and the full marathon course do a great job in showcasing.
History
The very first Philadelphia Marathon was in 1954. It's been known by a number of different names over the years, including the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon (1981–82) and the Fairmount Park Marathon (1988–89). The marathon today, was established under the name of the Philadelphia Marathon in 1994 under then Mayor Ed Rendell as an annual running event that took place entirely within the City of Philadelphia. Prior to this it had been run mainly on the outskirts of the metropolitan area.
In 1995, a group of dedicated runners and Dr. Peter Sharkey of the Rothman Institute, a top Philadelphia orthopaedic practice, sponsored a smaller running event as part of the Sunday Marathon event. The Rothman 8K is now an integral part of Marathon Weekend and an enjoyable event for beginners or those who just want to run. In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday line up by Janis Pierce, the City Representative at that time, and a runner and in 2016 the race moved to a two day event with the half marathon and 8K on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday. This allows for a number of cross events challenges to be offered.
Race Organiser
The event is presented by the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend organisation, and its fiscal sponsor is the Philadelphia City Fund, which supports the weekend and community programs.
When?
The event weekend is held annually in November, normally the third weekend.
Distances
Full, Half, 8 km and Children's' Runs. There are four challenges where runners compete in completing multiple race combinations over two days. The Patriot Challenge is the half and the 8k on Saturday, the Independence Challenge is the 8k on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday, the Liberty Bell Challenge is the half on Saturday and full on Sunday and finally, the Freedom Challenge is the half and 8k on Saturday and the full on Sunday.
Is there an Expo?
The Health & Fitness Expo is at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday and Saturday during race weekend and is where race bibs need to be collected. They are not mailed to runners. There are also vendors showcasing the newest running apparel, shoes and accessories, distributing product samples, and offering tips on health and fitness, as well as
where runners can purchase official Philadelphia Marathon Weekend merchandise.
How many runners?
30,000 + across all distances
Course
To allow for the challenge programme to work the half and the full are on different days. The half starts on Saturday at 7am and the full starts at the same time on Sunday. There is really tight security to enter the start area so leave plenty of time as there are only certain areas you can get in. This includes screening.
The marathon start is at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Runners head southeast into the city along Arch Street and Race Street, along Christopher Columbus Boulevard by the river and then west along Chestnut and Walnut Streets, past the University, to the 7 mile mark. These first 7 miles in the City are flat and fast. This is prime city centre running so there is plenty of crowd support even though it's still early. At mile 9 there is the first out and back section, west along the Avenue of the Republic, before returning to cross the Girard Bridge just before half way. From mile 9 to 12 is a hillier section of the course. Runners are now in Fairmount Park, so it's quieter but there's plenty to see, including America's first zoo. Philadelphia Zoo has over 160 years of experience in conserving wildlife, caring for animals, and educating communities. Home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals, it offers award-winning animal exhibits, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, award-winning education and conservation programs, making it one of the most renowned zoos in the world.
After halfway there is another out and back loop through Fairmount Park from miles 13 to 16. Fairmount is huge, with more than 2,000 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront and shaded woodlands. There are a number of varying natural landscapes in East and West sections of the park, divided by the Schuylkill River. This section is in the east of the Park, with the previous section in the west. From mile 16 it's then north along Kelly Drive to the turn just past mile 20 at Manayunk. This is a trendy suburb on the Schuylkill River banks. It has a small-town vibe, with galleries and boutiques lining Main Street, along with cool eateries and bars. Runners also head back along Kelly Drive, one of Philly’s most popular running and biking destinations. Formerly known as East River Drive, it was renamed "Kelly Drive" in the 1980s to honor John B. Kelly, Jr., a Philadelphia City Councilman, Olympic rower, and the brother of Grace Kelly. This is the biggest out and back of the course, with the return south to the Girard bridge being at mile 25. It's then a great mile to the finish, outside the Museum of Art and the famous Rocky Steps! There are masses of cheering spectators on this stretch. There's plenty of nutrition options in the finish area and a great medal and T shirt.
The half marathon course follows a very similar first 7 miles in the city and then heads north on 33rd and 34th Streets to the Girard Bridge for a loop in Fairmount Park before heading back south on Kelly Drive to the same finish as the Marathon.
The aid stations are plentiful, with water, energy drinks and gels when needed. There are more than 3000 volunteers and just like any of the other major events there is plenty of event support everywhere.
What's unique?
There is no sporting event on this scale in the City. It's one of the biggest in the US and offers runners a unique opportunity to run traffic free on a number of Philly's city streets.
Do charities benefit?
The organisers partner with many programs that support local initiatives and benefit people from the region, nationally and globally. Additionally, its fiscal agent, the Philadelphia City Fund allocates a portion of its revenue for grant making to support the Philadelphia community each year. Through its Community Fund, PCF invests those proceeds in charitable projects that improve the quality of life for our residents.
A number of partner charities also have entries in the events that they use to encourage runners to fundraise for them.
Our verdict
Big city centre running festivals are very special and this is no different. Definitely one to put on your 'must do' list. The challenges are also worth looking at.
How to register
Online via the website. It may sell out in the weeks leading up to the race but there is no lottery. Entries are also available via partner charities in exchange for an agreed amount of fundraising.
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