Philadelphia Marathon Reviews

  Great introductory big-city marathon

By LM about 2021

Review

After doing two small-town marathons with fewer than 300, this was my first big marathon, with about 7200 runners. Considering that it is not nearly as big as the major marathons, I was deeply impressed by how comprehensively organized the even was, from the corrals which created no problems for getting started, to the good number of porta-potties, to the well-run water stops. The only logistical failing was the gear check at the UPS trucks, which was not well run at all during pick-up.

Race Tips

The course itself has some high and low points, both literally and figuratively. It was quite a bit hillier than I expected, with most of our watches registering between 600 and 650 feet of climbing; this is no Chicago. The two depressing out-and-back stretches lacked any crowd support though they were reasonably pretty. I tend to prefer either straight-up loop courses, point-to-point, or a complete out-and-back rather than discrete out-and-backs added to make up miles; these discrete out-and-backs make it difficult for me to figure out how far ahead the runners going by me on the other side of the road are, or to find friends who were running behind me.

The weather in Philadelphia November could have been really bad, especially with potential wind, but it was not at all in 2021 -- it was just about perfect this year. I think that's one reason I finally BQed, and by 9 minutes. Recovery took a couple of weeks because the course is tougher than I thought.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I would try to bring some kind of protein in your checked bag. The food was totally inappropriate for post-race recovery, but what do you expect from an event sponsored by a meatpacker. I gagged on the hot dogs and chicken broth, which surprisingly tasted even worse than the five gels I'd taken in. Would have preferred some protein bars, fruit, and muscle milk.

  Scenic route

By Levente K about 2021

Review

Well organized with volunteers helping every step. There is a nice vibe around the competition.

Race Tips

Flat route good for every level.The Philly folks are great with cheerings and offering along the route.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Downtown hotels tend to be expensive if not booked in advance. Street parking is avaulable but need to walk a few miles.

  Ideal Marathon Experience

By DEL about 2021

Review

Scenery and crowd support are top notch - THE ENTIRE WAY. Great city & area for a destination race. Benefits of a huge race, but small enough to connect with a few folks here and there. Weather in 2021 was perfect: 38 degrees at race start (warming tent was big enough for any/all who needed it), zero wind. Pretty fast course and you’re done with the real hills by 13 - none are terrible. The crazy crowd and noise at Manyunk (19-21) was a lot of fun. Expo was a bit thin, but you should be out enjoying the city anyway.

Race Tips

Only significant hills are between 8-13 & not too bad. This can be a very fast course. The out&back portion (16-24) is not bad at all. Last half to 3/4 mile is an uphill slog but the insane crowd will carry you to the finish.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay anywhere near Rittenhouse Square. Very walkable area, plenty to do, good restaurants, etc. 1-mile walk/jog to start, but there are shuttles (one picks up at the Doubletree).

  Not as flat as you think

By JB about 2021

Review

Crowd support was great. It was a nice tour of the city, although passing directly in front if Independence Hall (instead of on the side) would've been nice. My hotel was about a mile away and I was able to easily walk to and from the race.

Personally, I'm not a fan of out and backs. This course has a few, including just under the last half. This was mentally challenging when running out to the turnaround in Manyunk. It was nice, however, being able to see my friend along the way.

Agree with others about the lack of food options at the end, although the orange juice was great. And the Dietz and Watson hotdogs really hit the spot. But the race provided food was water, some fruit/nut bars, chicken broth, and bananas.

But overall, if you're thinking about doing it then just do it. You'll enjoy it.

Race Tips

Everyone has mentioned the hills at 8 and 10, however the turnaround in Manyunk is what really surprised and taxed me. It's not that it was a steep uphill, but it was pretty much uphill until the turnaround. This cost me in the last 10k of the race. Still a relatively flat course, though.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I left my hotel around 6am, arrived near the start line at 6:20am, and was eventually rushed through security just before 7am. The security line was long and didn't move quickly at all until the race was about to start. Be prepared for that.

  Even in the wind and rain this is a great race!

By L.B. about 2019

Review

I really enjoyed this course. Even in the wind and rain I really liked getting a tour of Philly the first several miles and just went that was getting old we were running through a park on rolling hills that changed things up. The last half on the river was a little mentally tough at times, but it was cool being able to see the finishers sprint past on the other side and always gave you something to look at. Even in the bad weather, there were still plenty of spectators out cheering which was great!

Race Tips

The starting line only had about 20 port-o-potties inside the starting area, the rest were outside of security. The lines inside were so long that many of us left that area to go to the port-o-potties outside of security. I highly recommend this as there was no line there and it was easy to get back through security. Their setup just didn't really make sense.

The last half of the race on the river is very exposed to the elements so in this case, the wind made it cold. The rain gave you the added stress of figuring out what to wear because whatever you did wear was going to get wet.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The busses to/from the hotels were great! The heat was blasting and we got there and back in about 10 minutes which was key after freezing for hours. I was able to be in a warm shower in my hotel room within 20 minutes of crossing the finish line so that was great! The city is also very walkable so staying in the theater district was perfect for us to be able to walk around post-race to tour the Liberty Bell and find some Philly Cheesesteaks!

  Historic city marathon

By RH about 2019

Review

I like a marathon that has some kind of hook for me. Running through the historic city of Philadelphia is more than enough for me.

Can't say anything too bad. Could have used some more porta potties at the start and along the way. I've run smaller marathons with more. Post race food/drink options were below average in my experience. Crowd support on a totally rainy day was decent.

Race Tips

I saw one person wearing disposable shoe covers. Everything was set up on grass and because it rained a lot before the race it was a muddy mess. And I thought to myself, that was a smart runner because he started the race with dry socks. Course is relatively flat except some spots early on. But in spite of the elevation map, I would have sworn I was going up hill constantly between miles 15 and 20 (the turn back in point).

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I parked in a self park garage adjacent to the Sonesta hotel garage. The hotel was shuttle bus route D. But at $10 for 12 hrs booked on spot hero it was less than half the price of the hotel garage. I walked out of the garage went 25 yds right onto the shuttle bus. Also, look for a self park garage if you need to do some prep things in private before heading to the start. Because many garages are valet only.

  Can be a PR Course

By RM about 2018

Review

2018 was my second time running the marathon in Philly. Its a good course and weather dependent, you can run well here.

Race Tips

The course is not "flat & fast", it is rolling in sections. Kelly drive is deceptively rolling. I ran hill repeats and hilly long runs in training and it worked well. I started in the front of my corral which helped with crowding, but it was crowded the first half.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed in a hotel within walking distance and did not check a bag. Security was quick and they had no issues with my hydration vest. Warming tents were muddy so I didn't stay long. Post-race food is sub-par, the pretzels were stale and cold but the hot chicken broth was good for a cold day. No problem finding my friends & family after the race.

  BQ'd

By DR about 2018

Review

Definitely a flat course with minor hills, awesome crowd and volunteers. Had no problem finding my corral and going thru security. The 3:55 pacers were amazing and super funny. A great race to BQ. I finished with a 3:47 (8 minute cushion).

Race Tips

I would recommend a slow start and then pick up the pace after Manayunk to finish (around mile 19).

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I live in NJ and parking was no problem. Several of us parked in the garage near Community College. About a 5 minute walk.

  Well organized and flat course

By KP about 2018

Review

Overall cold but good weather. Interesting course much of the way with good fan support

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Security takes awhile so factor that into your run

  Philly Love

By LB about 2018

Review

Pros:
-Beautiful and scenic course
-Energetic, supportive crowds
-Fluid stations were plentiful and Volunteers did an excellent job
-Easy logistics. Convenient start/finish.

Cons:
-I don't have any!

Race Tips

The biggest hills were between miles 7-11.

The 1st half was mostly a loop and the 2nd half was pretty much an out and back.

As with any marathon, I recommend studying the course ahead of time so you can pace yourself and plan your nutrition accordingly.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Allow yourself enough time race-morning to get through security, use the porta-potty, and check your bag. The lines weren't any longer than I expected them to be, but I saw a lot of people still standing in lines when the race started. I arrived at 6am, had just enough time for everything, and entered my corral @ 6:50.

  Flat & FAAAAAAAST!

By rp about 2018

Review

ALL GOOD: course support, vareity of scenery, cool medal. NOT SO MUCH: corral entrance process, not enough porta potties at the start, post race food was average, at best

Race Tips

Only real hills are between mile 8 & 11, after that it is pretty flat.

  Philly is a joy to run

By ADG about 2018

Review

I really enjoyed the route as it showcased Philly. The spectators were so very supportive reading your name and cheering for you as you came so you felt like you had friends cheering throughout the race. The music provided at spots was great.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Convention Center is convenient for bib pick. It gives you great food options with the Reading Terminal Market. It is a bit further than I want to walk back to after the race.

  Disappointed at the organization

By BD about 2018

Review

Security took forever. There was only one walk through medal detector and 2 people with wands at our gate. I figured an hour and a half would be plenty of time, boy was I wrong. Bag check was another fiasco. The only lines longer were at the port o johns. Very few people were giving direction. The corals were a mess too. It was a total free for all. The course itself was ok. The loop is nice, although it gets quite narrow in spots. The out and back is pretty bad, but thats a matter of personal preference. The volunteers at the water stations were great, and the crowd support was extremely enthusiastic and much appretiated. I raced in other large cities, Chicago, Baltimore, DC, and never had such a rough start.

Race Tips

Don't bring a bag unless your life depends on it's contents. The course is sneeky hilly. It might not seem like much elevation, but it taxes you making the last flat 5 miles strenuous. Big log jam entering university city, I think around mile 5-6, try to stay out infront of the crowd if possible.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I live here, so I had it easy. Took the subway to spring garden station and walked about 1 and half miles to the start. Don't take the subway if you don't have the stomach for it, could be nerve racking for out of towners.

  

By EB about 2016

Review

CONS: No cold weather shelter for runners in AM pre race. Security delayed entry to course by one hour.

PROS: Great course. Great volunteers.

Race Tips

Biggest hill is around mile 8-10. Main Street turn around can be tough (around mile 20) physically and mentally.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If driving get there early!

  

By SM about 2016

Review

It was hard, but do your research. Know where the hills are and be prepared. Great crowd support. Especially for the final 10k! Scenic. Awesome finish line. Weather is definitely a concern. Temps in 2016 were mild considering (upper 30's at start / mid 40's at finish), but would be worse. Terrible wind in 2016 -- consistently in the teens with gusts up to 30-35mph. Headwind for final 10k.

Race Tips

Take it early on the early rollers. Nothing major. But be prepared for climbs around mile 10 and then another steep climb around mile 19.

  

By mn about 2016

Review

Everything was perfect, the route, the supplies, the city, the organization.

Race Tips

Hold a little cold before the race.

Always moisturize, not because it's cold they think they will not need it.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Hotel near the starting line. Starts and ends almost at the same point.

  

By Gaurav about 2016

Review

Amazing race, superb organisation. Water and Gatorade station were adequately placed. First half of the race has great crowd support, second half get lonely (in terms of crowd support) at some places but great scenic view and greenery make up for it.

Race Tips

As I mentioned earlier the course is great and second half is really scenic and peaceful.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

You can get good hotels near to Race and expo, choose paid (10$ /day) parking lot for car so that you don't have to worry about street parking.

  

By PH about 2016

Review

Corrals were a bit of a mess. Lots of slower runners in the maroon coral (just behind elite) so first few miles were slow.

It was very windy, not the courses fault, just tough conditions.

Race Tips

Negative split. GPS won't work properly downtown, so run by effort or have a foot pod. Hills are early and not bad at all. Hair pin on the turn around isn't ideal.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Take the shuttle to the start if you're in the city centre. Go early, UPS trucks to take bags are quick and efficient but if it's cold there is a good delay between drop off and start of the race. Line up for the porta-pottys early.

  

By LB about 2016

Review

Super organized. Was very easy to stay in a hotel and walk to expo and start line. Easy course.

  

By Anonymous about 2016

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

Not too hilly, great crowds, good temps, fun course, easy to get to unlike other big city marathons.

  My Favorite of the US Big City Races

By CT about 2015

Review

I've run this twice, most recently in 2015. The half is on Saturday now so the crowds may be thinner these days.

Great scenery (mix of city and parks) and an almost completely flat course. I can't really think of any significant stretch that isn't nice to look at. Easy access to the well organized start and finish with plenty of hotel options in a two mile radius. You don't have to wake up at 4AM and take a long ride to the start. A big race where you'll never be running alone, but not so big that you're tripping over people. You don't have to walk an eternity to get out of the finisher's chute. Good crowd support although not quite up to par with NYC/Chicago/Boston. Unfortunately some of the thinnest support comes after the 20-mile mark. You're almost guaranteed to have perfect (cold, dry) running weather unlike Chicago or Boston where there's a good chance that it could be warm / humid. Good medals, shirts, and post race snacks. I'm not an expo guy, but it seemed large and well stocked. The convention center (expo) is about a mile from the start so chances are it will be close to your hotel. I highly recommend this race.

Race Tips

The only significant incline is around mile 20, but it's not that bad. There's also great crowd support up in Manayunk.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb's in the Center City / Rittenhouse area. Philadelphia's downtown area is pretty compact. You won't be more than 10-15 minutes away from the start if you stay in the city.

  

By Michele about 2015

Review

Flat. Great time to train.

  

By Miguel Ramos about 2015

Review

Absolutely loved the marathons. Amazing city, perfect chilly weather for a race, nothing extreme. lovely crowd (do not expect chicago or ny amount of crowd), 2 minor hills that only motivate you to keep on going. second half with fewer crowd since it goes to the suburbs, however along the river which for me works as an excellent distraction

Race Tips

I ran with the 3:05 pacer, an my mayor tip is to not fully rely on the pacer, mine got burned and fortunately y notice so i left him behind. concentrate your mind in the second half since its much more quite due to fewer people

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Philadelphia marathon gives special rates on almost all hotels. my recommendation is to book something near the start/finish point (same place)

  

By Sonya Tidwell about 2014

Review

It's a challenging race (hills) but with tons of cheer zones and water stations it makes this a must do race.

Race Tips

Hill Training is a must!!!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I have no clue on hotels but there are lots of restaurants with walking distance or on public transportation routes.

  

By GD about 2014

Review

1st half was fantastic. 2nd half not as much too see but very scenic. Mostly flat and great organization and fan support.

  

By STR about 2014

Review

Well supported, easy race logistics for a race this size. Fan friendly. Can be crowded around the pace groups, especially with the concurrent half marathon

Race Tips

2 or 3 hairpin turns. Look out for the beer stops if you like that. a couple of minor hills

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

First 1,000 registered runners pay $80. Free street parking available about a mile from the finish.