Marathon Route Philadelphia: A Runner’s Guide to the Best Course in the City 2024

Here I have the most important information for you about the marathon route Philadelphia:

Marathon Route Philadelphia Participant Information Table

If you want to find out more, I’m happy, because that’s exactly why I wrote this article.

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11/20/2024 06:58 am GMT

Marathon Route Philadelphia:
Take a Look

Route Information

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Welcome to the Marathon Route Philadelphia!

  1. 🏞️ Start and Route Overview
  2. 🌉 Crossing the Delaware River and Running through Manayunk
  3. 🌳 Running through Fairmount Park
  4. 🌇 Approaching the Finish Line in University City
  5. 🗺️ Course Markings and Aid Stations
  6. 🚧 Road Closures and Detours

🏞️ The Marathon Route Philadelphia starts on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. From there, runners will make their way down the Parkway towards City Hall before turning onto Arch St and heading towards Old City.

🌉 After passing through Old City, runners will cross the Delaware River via the scenic Race Street and Columbus Boulevard. The route then takes you through the charming Manayunk neighborhood, where you will experience the energy of the crowds and the beauty of the Schuylkill River.

🌳 The course will take you through Fairmount Park, where you will run alongside the tranquil Lansdowne Dr and Fountain Green. You will then head back towards Center City via the 34th Street Bridge and the Avenue of the Republic.

🌇 As you approach the finish line, you will run through the heart of University City before crossing the Schuylkill River and finishing at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Marathon Route Philadelphia Finish
IG: philly_marathon

🗺️ The Marathon Route Philadelphia is well-marked and easy to follow, with plenty of aid stations and course marshals to guide you along the way. Be sure to check out the course map and elevation chart before the race so you can plan your strategy accordingly.

🚧 Please note that there will be road closures and detours in effect during the marathon weekend. Check out the Philadelphia Marathon website for more information on road closures and alternate routes.

Road Closures and Detours

👉 Road closures will be in effect for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday from 2 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Sunday for the full marathon from 4 a.m. until 6:15 a.m.

👉 The closures will be citywide along the 13.1-mile half marathon route and the 26.2-mile marathon route.

👉 There will be several detours in place throughout the weekend, including the I-676 off-ramp at 22nd Street (westbound) and the possibility of closures at 15th and Broad streets.

👉 Use the official Philadelphia Marathon app or website for real-time updates on road closures and detours.

👉 Plan ahead and consider using public transportation to avoid potential delays.

Spectator Spots at Marathon Route Philadelphia

Marathon Route Philadelphia Crowd
by Pinterest

If you’re planning to cheer on the runners during the Marathon Route Philadelphia, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your experience.

Here I have some of the best spots for you:

🏙️ Manayunk

This neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere and is a popular spot for spectators. You can watch the runners as they make their way up the steep hill on Main Street.

🎓 University City

This area is home to several colleges and universities, and the crowds here are always enthusiastic. You can catch the runners as they make their way through the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.

🏛️ Old City

This historic neighborhood is home to many of Philadelphia’s famous landmarks, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You can cheer on the runners as they make their way through the cobblestone streets.

It’s also important to note that many streets along the Marathon Route Philadelphia will be closed to traffic, so it’s best to plan your route ahead of time.

Public transportation
is a great option, as many SEPTA train, trolley, subway, and bus lines have stops near the start and finish lines, as well as peak spectator areas.

Parking and Transportation

👉 There will be parking restrictions along the Marathon Route Philadelphia, including no parking along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

👉 Alternative parking options include SP+ Parking at 22nd and Walden Streets or 222 N. 20th St., Patriot Parking at 23rd and Cherry Streets, and Logan Square Parking at 1815 Cherry Street.

👉 Check road closures and plan your route accordingly if driving to the marathon.

👉 Public transportation options include the SEPTA Regional Rail and Broad Street Subway Line, with extra service provided on race day.

👉 Some hotels offer a shuttle service to the marathon for their guests.

Weather and Conditions

Marathon Route Philadelphia Allie Kieffer Running
by Pinterest

As we plan for the Marathon Route Philadelphia, it’s important to keep in mind the weather and conditions we may encounter on race day. According to Weather.com, the forecast for the upcoming marathon is expected to be cold with temperatures ranging from a low of 22 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend wearing layers that can easily be removed as we warm up during the race. It’s also important to wear a hat and gloves to keep our extremities warm.

In addition to the cold temperatures, we may also encounter wind during the race. It’s important to keep in mind the wind chill factor and dress accordingly. We recommend wearing wind-resistant clothing to help keep us warm and protected from the wind.

Here you can find out more:

Health and Fitness Expo

At the Health and Fitness Expo, we can pick up our race bibs, tech-shirts, and get all the information we need for Marathon Weekend. The Expo is free and open to the public, and it’s the first event during Marathon Weekend.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center
is the location for the Health and Fitness Expo, which is held in Hall F. The Expo will be open on Friday, November 17, from noon to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To pick up our race bibs, we need to bring our government-issued photo ID. There is no race day packet pickup, so we must get our race packets at the Expo.

The Health and Fitness Expo is also a great place to check out the latest running gear and apparel. With over 100 exhibitors, we can find everything we need to prepare for the marathon.

My Top 5 Post-Marathon Activities

What can you do once you’ve completed the Marathon Route Philadelphia?

1. 🧘‍♀️ Yoga or Stretching Class

After running a marathon, it’s important to take care of your body and help it recover. Consider taking a yoga or stretching class to help stretch out your muscles and prevent soreness.

2. 🍔 Indulge in Philadelphia’s Famous Food

Philadelphia is known for its delicious food, so why not treat yourself to some of the city’s famous dishes after the race? From cheesesteaks to soft pretzels, there’s something for everyone.

3. 🚴‍♀️ Bike Ride on the Schuylkill River Trail

The Schuylkill River Trail is a beautiful bike path that runs along the Schuylkill River. Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride to help flush out your legs after the marathon.

4. 🎭 Visit a Museum or Cultural Attraction

Philadelphia is home to a variety of museums and cultural attractions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, and the Liberty Bell. Take some time to explore the city’s rich history and culture.

5. 🌳 Relax in One of Philadelphia’s Parks

Philadelphia has several beautiful parks, including Fairmount Park and Rittenhouse Square. Take a picnic, a book, or just a blanket and spend some time relaxing in nature after the marathon.

Our Tips on the Marathon Route Philadelphia

Marathon Route Philadelphia Man Running
by Pinterest

Finally, I would like to give you a few tips for the Marathon Route Philadelphia.

Study the Course Map

Before the race, take some time to study the course map. Familiarize yourself with the route, including where the water stations and aid stations are located. This will help you plan your hydration and nutrition strategy, and mentally prepare for any challenging sections of the course.

Start Slow

The first few miles of the race are relatively flat, but the course becomes more challenging as you approach the hills in Fairmount Park. It’s important to start the race at a conservative pace, so you have enough energy to tackle the hills later on.

Use the Crowd to Your Advantage

One of the best things about the Marathon Route Philadelphia is the enthusiastic crowd support. Take advantage of this by high-fiving spectators, smiling for the cameras, and enjoying the energy of the crowd. This will help you stay motivated and energized throughout the Marathon Route Philadelphia.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking water and sports drinks at the aid stations. If you’re prone to cramping, consider taking salt tablets or electrolyte supplements to help maintain your electrolyte balance.

Take in the Sights

The Marathon Route Philadelphia is a scenic race that takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the course, including the views of the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

FAQ

What is the course like for the Philadelphia Marathon?

The course is flat and fast, with a few small inclines and declines. It takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. 

What time does the Philadelphia Marathon start?

The Philadelphia Marathon starts at 7:30 AM for both the full and half marathon. The wheelchair and handcycle race starts at 7:25 AM. 

Can spectators watch the Philadelphia Marathon?

Yes, spectators are encouraged to come out and support the runners along the course. There are designated viewing areas and cheer zones, as well as a finish line festival for all to enjoy.

Have you ever run the Marathon Route Philadelphia? I would love to hear your experience in the comments. I am sure you are also interested in our Marathon Checklist or the Information How many Steps in a Marathon.

Sebastian Gradl 26.09.2023
Sebastian Gradl

Nice to meet you, I´m Sebastian Gradl!

I write the articles on runfitjourney.com.

I hope I can awaken your passion for running too and would be happy to take you on the runfitjourney!

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2 Comments

  1. I’m genuinely impressed with the clarity and depth of your writing. You’ve covered the topic comprehensively. Well done!

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