Application Process/Registration
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.
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 and 18,000 in 2008. 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.
Are there Corporate Team or Team Relays?
No, there are no team relays.
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.
Why didn't I receive a registration confirmation email?
Based on your system's personal set up, it is not uncommon that confirmation emails get blocked, go to your SPAM folder or end up in your junk mail. You can check your registration via the "Check if I'm Registered" button on the Active registration page or click on the link below.
http://www.active.com/search_reg.cfm?event_id=1719769&sr_id=24949
Race Day
I do not have a bib number. Can I run the race as an unofficial entrant?
No. Race amenities provided along the course, including medical assistance, fluid replenishment stations and traffic safety concerns are based on the exact number of officially-entered competitors. Any addition to this number by way of unofficial participants will adversely affect the races. For the safety of all race participants, unofficial entrants are not permitted.
What are the locations for the port-a-johns?
Port-a-johns are located at the start/finish line area. Additionally, port-a-johns will be located at each water stop on the course.
What are the types and where are the locations for the replacement fluids?
Fluid stations are set up throughout the length of the course. Water will be supplied at race start and finish and the following locations:
Columbus Boulevard & Race Street – Mile 2.2
Washington Avenue & Columbus Boulevard – Mile 3.5
6th Street & Washington Square – Mile 5.25
31st & Chestnut Streets – Mile 7.5
North Concourse Drive Memorial Hall – Mile 9.75
MLK Drive at Disabled Rower’s Boathouse – Mile 11.5
North Side of Eakins Oval – Mile 13.25
Kelly Drive & Fountain Green Drive – Mile 15 and Mile 24.8
East Park Canoe House (Kelly Drive & Strawberry Mansion) – Mile 16.8 and Mile 23.3
Kelly Drive & Midvale Avenue – Mile 18.1 and Mile 22
Main & Cotton Streets – Mile 19.5 and Mile 20.5
Gatorade replacement fluid will be offered along with water, and energy gels will be available at miles 18 and 22.
What is the average Temp at Start Time?
Approximately 45°F / 7.2°C at start time and at the finish about 54°F / 12° C.
Can I use a baby jogger, MP3 player, roller blades, scooter, bike, headphones, or earbuds?
No. Insurance restrictions prohibit the use of these devices.
What are the different divisions of the Philadelphia Marathon that receive awards?
Please check the page for your specific race on this website for specific award and prize information.
Marathon
Half Marathon
Rothman Institute 8K
Where can I get a map of the race course?
There is a course map on this website.
How long will the finish be open?
The finish will be open for 7 hours.
How can I review results at the end of the race?
Online information is updated as the race progresses. The race results will be posted online 24 hours from the time of the final finisher.
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 21, 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.