Quicklinks
Cheer Zones
Philadelphia is well-known for having some of the most avidly devoted sports fans in the world. Our boundless enthusiasm extends to the Philadelphia Marathon, as well. Each year, thousands of Philadelphians gather along the course to show their support to all of the runners.
In addition, monitoring technology allows spectators to keep track of family members’ and friends’ times throughout the Marathon and Half Marathon races. The times are recorded every five miles and sent to family members’ cell phones via text message. (Check back closer to race weekend for instructions on how to sign up for this feature.)
This year, more than 20 cheer zones will be set up along the course, fully equipped with noisemakers, entertainment, hot chocolate, and YOU to help encourage the runners as they pass and get them across the finish line!
Plus, listen for featured ‘Run to It’ [RTI] playlists that we will be playing at zones all along the course.
Watch the Race at one of the following Cheer Zones (times and miles listed are approximate and indicate when runners will be by each location):
[RTI] Run To It Featured Playlist at this Cheer Zone
* Indicates a water stop location
ART MUSEUM/FAIRMOUNT
Start/Finish Line at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
6:55 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.*
This is the ultimate cheer zone! Join the Valley Forge Military Academy and College Fanfare Trumpets as they get the runners ready to start their race. In between the start and finish, hop over to some of the other zones or jump on the regional rail to catch the race in East Falls or Manayunk (main course turnaround).
16th & Arch Streets @ Cappriccio at Café Cret—Mile 1
6:55 a.m.-7:40 a.m.
And they’re off! Help get the runners off on the right foot and show them some LOVE. Located catacorner from Philly’s famous LOVE Park and the majestic City Hall, grab a cup of java or a bite (receive 15% off with your Fan Pass!) and wish the runners off to a fun and hearty run. [RTI]
EAST OF CENTER CITY
‘Go Green’ Cheer Zone, Columbus Boulevard & Race Street @ Race Street Connector—Mile 2.2*
7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
While our Marathon colors remain our signature maroon and black, we are now showing our true color—green. Join us at our new ‘Go Green’ Cheer Zone while enjoying some of our city’s best and newest assets: the Race Street Pier and Race Street Connector. [RTI]
Washington Avenue & Water Street— Mile 3.5*
7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.
Welcome to South Philly! Home to the Mummers and some of the best cheesesteaks, enjoy some live entertainment and, if you live nearby, all you have to do is roll out of bed and check out the runners. It’s ok if you are still in your PJs!
Cheesesteak Cheer Zone, Orianna & South Streets @ Steaks On South—Mile 4.5
7:05 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
"Wit or wit out," that is the question? This year, we are making it official and are inviting you to eat cheesesteaks for breakfast as we cheer the runners running down South Street. Try a taste of one of Philly’s favorites, Steaks on South, and bring your Fan Pass for free fries with the purchase of any sandwich. Plus, you guessed it, there will be cheesesteak hats. [RTI]
6th & Walnut Streets—Mile 5*
7:05 a.m.-8:40 a.m.
It’s your chance to hang in Historic Philadelphia and cheer like its 1776. Home of our country’s birthplace, surround yourself with the historic beauty of Washington Square, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. [RTI]
Broad & Chestnut Streets—Mile 6
7:10 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Catch another glimpse of City Hall and hang by the longest street in Philadelphia, Broad Street. Located in the heart of the city, after you watch the race at this location, it’ll be the perfect time to grab breakfast in Midtown or Rittenhouse. Check your Philadelphia Marathon Fan Pass to save a buck or two while you’re at it. [RTI]
WEST OF CENTER CITY
High Five Cheer Zone-21st & Chestnut Streets @ Caffeination—Mile 6.5
7:10 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Warm up with a hot treat from Caffeination (15% off purchases with your Fan Pass) and get ready to get your hands up. To celebrate the Mayor’s Annual High Five Award, we are dedicating this cheer zone to him and this award. High Five to that!
UNIVERSITY CITY /WEST PHILADEL PHIA
31st & Chestnut Streets—Mile 7*
7:10 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
Welcome to the west side...of the Schuylkill River. Right by the new Penn Park, hang out here as the race enters into Philly's own college neighborhood. [RTI]
University City Cheer Zone- 34th & Chestnut
Streets @ Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)—Mile 7.5
7:10 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
Philadelphia is home to 80+ colleges and universities, with several of the best located right in the University City area. Show your school spirit and help cheer on the runners as they approach the long stretch along 34th Street. Stop into Eastern Mountain Sports and receive 20% off full priced items with your Fan pass. [RTI]
uGO Cheer Zone @ 34th Street & Fairmount Avenue—Mile 8*
7:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
With many of Philadelphia Mural Arts’ beautiful murals, runners will pass through Philly neighborhoods as they approach this zone. Join community group, uGO: A Community Wellness Venture, and help them cheer on the runners as they continue on the course toward parts of Fairmount Park and along the river on MLK Drive.
Kids Cheer Zone- 34th Streets & Girard Avenue @ the Philadelphia Zoo—Mile 8.5
7:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Join Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, at this cheer zone and be sure to bring the kids! Park for free and plan a visit to the Zoo post race watching. Better yet, receive $2 off winter admission with your Fan Pass! [RTI]
West Memorial Hall Drive near Please Touch Museum—Mile 9.5*
7:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
Beautiful statues in this picturesque part of Fairmount Park is right by the Please Touch Museum and a great place to hang out with friends and maybe even pack a picnic breakfast!
Course Turnaround at Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive & Black Road—Mile 11*
7:20 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
At this first turnaround of the course, along the Schuylkill River, get ready for some live entertainment and energy to keep the runners going and the spectators moving.
FAIRMOUNT/KELLY DRIVE
Sedgley Avenue & Kelly Drive—Mile 14*
7:25 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
This is a crucial cheer zone for the course, just about halfway going out and so close to the finish line going in, and we need you. Right by another famous Philly landmark, Boathouse Row, we’ll have some upbeat, live entertainment and expect to see you here to help the runners keep their spirits high as they continue and complete their 2011 race experience.
Kelly & Fountain Green Drives—Miles 14.7 & 24.4*
7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
One of our loyal and always supportive running club partners holds this cheer zone down with music and their water stop.
Hunting Park & Kelly Drive @ Laurel Hill Cemetery—Miles 16 & 23
7:35 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The fascinating landscape, art, and architecture should be reason enough to watch the race from this location. This 78-acre cemetery, segmented into three sections, Laurel Hill lays rest to many prominent figures throughout history and is a must-see historic destination in Philly. [RTI]
EAST FALLS
Kelly Drive & Ferry Streets with lululemon athletica—Miles 16.9 & 22.2*
7:35 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
They’re at it again! The staff and friends of lululemon athletica will be hanging out in East Falls, keeping things lively. Equipped with a DJ, noisemakers, signs, and their sparkle, be warned, you might have too much fun. Trolley Car Café is right nearby, too, just in case you need help getting some pep in your step.
Receive a free beverage with the purchase of any entrée with your Fan Pass.
Course Turnaround on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive near East Falls Bridge—Mile 17.5
7:35 a.m.-11:55 a.m.
“It’s so nice, you get to do it twice!” This one may be a toughie to get to as a spectator, but definitely a nice treat for the runners. For runners, you’ll run over and back on this scenic bridge. And, spectators, don’t worry! You can see the bridge and masses of runners from the previous cheer zone.
MANAYUNK
Main Street & Ridge Avenue—Miles 18.5 & 21*
7:40 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Stop by the Manayunk Diner for a bite, bring a camping chair, and stake out at this spacious cheer zone (it’s a big parking lot!). We have a feeling some dancing might ensue at this cheer zone.
Main Street & Shurs Lane—Miles 18.75 & 20.25
7:40 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Entering the ‘yunk, residents and visitors alike are welcome to join us at this laid-back cheer zone. We’ll play some tunes and help keep the runners’ energy up as they travel toward the main course turnaround and, coming back, will be approaching their final, long stretch back down Kelly Drive and to the FINISH line. [RTI]
Main & Cotton Streets @ Winnie’s LeBus—Miles 19 & 20.5*
7:40 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Do we have to remind you? You know where the party’s at every year! Hang with Winnie, her crew, and her DJ, too, in Manayunk. Grab a bite in the restaurant and receive 10% off your entire check by using your Fan Pass.
Main & Carson Streets—Mile 20
7:45 a.m.-12:40 p.m.
The party continues on Main Street. Always a fun time, with a live band and lots of spectators, the runners need you the most here at this final turnaround. Keep them motivated as they round the bend back towards the finish line. They’re almost there!
ART MUSEUM
Start/Finish Line “Best Time of Your Life” Post-race Concert*
6:55 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Since it was such a hit last year, we are bringing back the post-race concert. This year’s “Best Time of Your Life” stage will feature local talent that will keep you moving as runners finish up and their families reunite with them. Congratulations, you did it!
Cheer Zone entertainment is subject to change. For the most recent updates and more entertainment details, please visit the Philadelphia Marathon Booths #101 & #201 at the Health & Fitness Expo.
