Category 1
When is the application deadline?
Online registration for the 2008 Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Rothman Institute 8K will be accepted until November 14, 2008 at Midnight EST. Mail-in applications must be postmarked by November 10, 2008. Please note: No online or mail-in applications will be accepted once the maximum field size of 18,000 has been reached. In 2007, the Marathon and Half Marathon reached their field size limits and we expect to reach the field limits again in 2008. For registration information, please click here.
May I register on race day?
No. There is no race day registration or packet pick-up for the Marathon, Half Marathon or Rothman Institute 8K.
Can a friend pick up my packet for me?
Yes. Your friend will need to bring a hard copy of your final confirmation with your signature in order to retrieve your packet. Your friend must show his or her state-issued photo ID in order to pick up your packet.
I am entered in the race but recently incurred an injury and will be unable to compete. Can I defer my participation to next year?
No. We do not offer deferments or refunds.
May I switch my registration from one race to another?
Yes, as long as you do so before October 31. Participants who wish to transfer their registration to a shorter race (Marathon to Half Marathon or Rothman Institute 8K; Half Marathon to Rothman Institute 8K) may do so free of charge. No refunds will be issued.
Participants who wish to transfer their registration to a longer race (such as the Half Marathon to the full Marathon) will be charged the difference between the amount they have already paid and the current registration fee for the race to which they wish to transfer, plus a $15 administrative fee.
How many participants do you expect? Do you expect to reach the maximum field size?
There were close to 16,000 participants in the 2007 race. This year, we expect to reach our maximum field size of 18,000, so please register early.
Do I need a qualifying time to enter the Philadelphia Marathon?
No.
Is the Philadelphia Marathon a qualifying race to the Boston Marathon?
Yes. Runner’s World magazine selected our race as “The Best Place to Run a Boston Qualifier” in January 2007. In fact, outside of Boston, the 2007 Philadelphia Marathon provided the most overall number of qualifiers to the 2008 Boston Marathon.
Are there Corporate Team or Team Relays?
No, there are no team relays this year.
Is the Marathon walker-friendly?
Yes. The Philadelphia Marathon is open to all competitors, with few restrictions. Please note that all participants must maintain a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the course.
About Philadelphia
While I'm in Philadelphia, I'd like to visit different parts of the city. How do I get to South Philadelphia? Fairmount? Old City? Manayunk?
One of the things that makes Philadelphia great is its unique neighborhoods. Information on tours and itineraries are available at www.gophila.com. For those who prefer to travel on their own, contact SEPTA, the city’s public transportation system.
Is there late check-out at the hotels?
Many hotels in Philadelphia offer special rates for the Marathon weekend, but each has its own policies on check-in/check-out times. Please check with your hotel.
Can you recommend a good restaurant?
The Philadelphia Marathon has a special runner’s buffet dinner on Saturday, November 22, but tickets sell out quickly. If you are unable to get a ticket, you can find information on many of Philadelphia’s fine restaurants at www.gophila.com.
For Spectators, Press, Vendors and Shoppers
I am not running but want to know some information about watching the race.
The race begins at 7:00 a.m. near the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway. There is plenty of room for spectators along the street at the start, or in the bleachers along the finish line. We also have several cheer zones along the course.
I'm with the press. Can I interview the winner of the race?
Yes. Members of the press should email Randy.Giancaterino@phila.gov after October 1st to request credentials. On race day, visit the media tent at Eakins Oval to pick up the press pass and, if you like, be escorted to meet the winners. You are also welcome to download photos and press releases from the media page.
How can I obtain a booth at the Health & Fitness Expo or insert an item into the runners' bags?
Click here for details.
How can I obtain t-shirts and other souvenirs from the Philadelphia Marathon?
You can purchase merchandise online at the Philadelphia Marathon online store, at the Health & Fitness Expo, and on-site race day. Limited amounts of merchandise may also be available from prior years.