2024 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Bring your government-issued photo ID OR your confirmation email. A government issued ID is needed to verify the athlete’s registered name only, and to make sure that the name on the athlete’s ID matches that on the athlete’s registration. The name registered may vary from bib name. We are verifying registered name only.

If a representative is picking up your race materials, you must provide them with your confirmation email and a copy of your government-issued photo ID (a copy of your ID is sufficient). They will also need to show their own government-issued photo ID.

Yes, we will have a shoe donation program for charity this year.

Bring your gently used or new shoes including running, casual, dress, adult, and children’s sneakers to the Packet Pickup/Health & Fitness Expo on November 22nd and 23rd at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The shoe collection bins will be located at the entrance to the expo.

Your new or gently used shoes will be distributed to communities in need both here in the USA and throughout the world.

In addition to bringing sneakers to those in need, a donation will be made to Stand Up 2 Cancer and Students Run Philly Style for each bin of shoes collected. Thanks for your support.

Please see below for deadlines on when and where you can pick up your bib:

AACR Philadelphia Marathon: You MUST pick up your bib on Friday or Saturday at the Health and Fitness Expo. There is NO PACKET PICKUP AT THE START LINE.

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon: You MUST pick up your bib on Friday at the Health and Fitness Expo. There is NO PACKET PICKUP AT THE START LINE.

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K: We strongly recommend you pick up your bib on Friday at the Health and Fitness Expo. There is NO PACKET PICKUP AT THE START LINE. (We strongly discourage Saturday bib pickup due to the distance from the expo to the start line and the long security lines).

Nemours Children’s Run: Participants can pick up the bib and t-shirt on Friday at the Health and Fitness Expo (noon to 9 p.m.). Bibs and t-shirts can be picked up on Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Sunday (starting at 8 a.m.) at Von Colln Memorial Field (adjacent to Eakins Oval Circle).

For the challenges (Patriot, Independence, Liberty Bell and Freedom) - You MUST pick up your bib on Friday at the Health and Fitness Expo. There is NO PACKET PICKUP AT THE START LINE.

Race Weekend Schedule

Friday, November 22

Health & Fitness Expo & Nemours Children’s Fun Zone - 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center Hall F (12th & Arch Streets)

Saturday, November 23

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon
6:55 a.m. – Wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Athletes
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K
10:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs 
11:00 a.m. – Athletes
25th Street and Kelly Drive

Health & Fitness Weekend Expo - 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center Hall F (12th & Arch Streets)

Nemours Children’s Fun Zone
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Bib Pickup and Children’s Activities)
Von Colln Memorial Field (Adjacent to 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway)

Sunday, November 19

AACR Philadelphia Marathon
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Athletes
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Nemours Children’s Run
8:00 a.m. - On-site registration and family activities begin 
10:00 a.m. - Races begin at 10 a.m. 
Von Colln Memorial Field (Adjacent to 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway)
 

As noted in the waiver that you accepted during registration, bibs are non-transferable and names will not be changed from one person to another. This includes registrations purchased through online networks which will NOT be transferred to another name. 

Your bib provides race staff with important identifying information for the purposes of our medical program, as well as scoring and timing. Transferring the bib would compromise these processes severely.

Violation of this rule may prohibit you from participation in future Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events and will disqualify you from awards and prize monies. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with these policies.

All athletes are expected to participate in the event for which they are officially registered. Bib numbers and t-shirts will be issued according to your registered event. If you requested an official change of event before the deadline and it is not reflected in this confirmation email, please bring a copy of any email correspondence that supports your timely request to the Solution Center in the registration area where your request will be reviewed.   

You must run in the event you signed up for during registration. Race weekend switches are not permitted. If you run in an event that you did not sign up for, your results will not be valid and you will not be eligible for awards or prizes.

Athletes are free to move back to a slower corral as desired. No official action is needed.

If you wish to move up to a faster corral, please pick up your assigned bib number and bring it to the Corral Change Station in the Packet Pick-Up area at the Expo for assistance. You will be able to change your corral IF there is still room in your desired corral. Do not wait until race day to request a corral change. Corral changes will not be made on race day.

The start line for both the AACR Philadelphia Marathon and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon will be on the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just east of Eakins Oval.

Arrive early so you have time to go through security (all Entrances open at 5:00 a.m.)

Allow time to get to your designated entry checkpoint and time to wait in line.

All athletes should have bibs visible and fastened on the check front of their attire.

The start of the race will not be delayed due to lines at security checkpoints.

Be patient.

Please note: The start line will close after the last runner in the last corral crosses the timing mat.

Philadelphia Runner will provide the following pace groups for 2024. 

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2 hours, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3 hours
AACR Philadelphia Marathon: 3 hours, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4 hours, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50, 5 hours, 5:15 and 5:30
Rothman Orthopaedics 8K: 7 minute mile, 8 minute mile, 9 minute mile, 10 minute mile, 11 minute mile and 12 minute mile

We will have water at all three events at the fluid/water stations.

In addition, we will have Nuun Lemon Lime Endurance at  the AACR Philadelphia Marathon and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon.

For a list of fluid station/water station locations, go to the separate event page for race maps.

AACR Philadelphia Marathon

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K

Patriot Challenge

Independence Challenge

Liberty Bell Challenge

Freedom Challenge

Yes, we will have XACT ENERGY Fruit Bars (mini-bars @2 inches) at certain stations for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon (past mile 11, and before mile 18 and past mile 22).

Orange, apricot and strawberry flavors will be available for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon.

View nutritional information

Yes, we will have XACT ENERGY Fruit Bars (mini-bars @2 inches) right before the mile 8 water station for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon.

Orange, apricot and strawberry flavors will be available for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon.

View nutritional information

When it comes to costumes, we ask that you keep the safety of yourself and others in mind.

If your costume is questionable or offensive to others, we reserve the right to either have you change into something more appropriate or remove you from the event.

All costumes must also adhere to the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend’s security restrictions – no large backpacks or bags of any kind will be allowed on the course.

Gear check is provided free of charge located on the south side of Eakins Oval.

Only clear bags (such as the runner bag we are providing) will be accepted at the gear check stations.

You are free to use any of the trucks at gear check (but be sure to write down the truck number on the back of your bib).

Be sure to affixed the event-issued gear check tag (top of bib tear-off strip) to your bag. Also be sure to enclose complete contact information inside your race bag in case we need to contact you on where you can pick up your bag after race weekend. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is not responsible for any unclaimed, stolen, or lost items.
 
Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedics 8k:  5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

AACR Philadelphia Marathon:  5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To view the race course maps and water/fluid stations, go to the event pages at:

AACR Philadelphia Marathon

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K

Patriot Challenge

Independence Challenge

Liberty Bell Challenge

Freedom Challenge

Corral assignments are based on the finish time you submitted during registration.

* Corral information subject to change.

AACR Philadelphia Marathon (Sunday)

ELITE Corral
Corral A (under 2:59:59)
Corral B (3:00:00 to 3:30:00)
Corral C (3:30:00 to 3:45:00)
Corral D (3:45:00 to 4:00:00)
Corral E (4:00:00 to 4:05:35)
Corral F (4:05:50 to 4:30:00)
Corral G (4:30:00 to 4:50:00)
Corral H (4:50:00 and over)

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon (Saturday)

ELITE Corral
Corral A (1:00:00 to 1:35:00)
Corral B (1:35:00 to 1:50:00)
Corral C (1:50:00 to 2:00:00)
Corral D (2:00:00 to 2:05:00)
Corral E (2:05:00 to 2:15:00)
Corral F (2:15:00 to 2:30:00)
Corral G (2:30:00 to 2:45:00)
Corral H (2:45:00 to and over)

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K (Saturday)

Corral 1 (0:25:00 to 0:59:00)
Corral 2 (1:00:00 and over)

Gear Check

• Gear check is provided free of charge located on the southside of Eakins Oval.
• Only clear bags (such as the runner bag we are providing) will be accepted.
• You are free to use any of the trucks at gear check (but be sure to write down the truck number on the back of your bib).
• Be sure to affixed the event-issued gear check tag (top of bib tear-off strip) to your bag.
• Also be sure to enclose complete contact information inside your race bag in case we need to contact you on where you can pick up your bag after race weekend.
• The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is not responsible for any unclaimed, stolen, or lost items.
• Gear check hours:
  Saturday, November 23 - Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedics 8k (5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  Sunday, November 24 - AACR Philadelphia Marathon (5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Race Rules

• You must run in the event you signed up for during registration. Race weekend switches are not permitted. If you run in an event that you did not sign up for, your results will not be valid and you will not be eligible for awards or prizes.
• Only athletes, event staff/vendors, athlete guides, wheelchair handlers and emergency personnel will be permitted to enter the secured zones at the start & finish areas prior to 8 a.m. NOTE: Spectators will NOT be permitted into the secure running area until 8:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. See race map for details.
• Athletes should be prepared to show their race bib to security personnel.
• Prior to approaching the security area, please secure your bib at all four corners on the front of your chest of your outermost layer at all times.
• Participants must follow and stay on the course and remain on proper side of roads as directed.
• Unofficial entrants are not permitted on the course.
• Only athletes, walkers, and push-rim wheelchairs are allowed on the course.
• Wheelchair competitors must wear helmets and attach two fluorescent flags (orange preferred) to the back of their chair, 6 feet high from the ground.
• No participants going backwards, animals, bicycles, baby strollers, baby joggers, roller skates, scooters, or skateboards allowed. All spectator bikers will be removed from the course.
• Due to safety concerns, handcrank bikes are not permitted at any of the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events.
• All participants must maintain at least a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the course.
• The timing device is part of your bib and must be worn as instructed to ensure accurate results.
• SAG Vehicles will rove the course and be located at water stops. Please go to a water stop when you want to board a SAG vehicle.
• Participants agree to follow the instructions of race, medical, and police officials. Participants in violation of these rules will be disqualified and removed from the course.

Hydration stations are located at the following locations:

Saturday, November 23 – Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

1. Columbus Boulevard south of Race Street – Mile 2.8
2. Front Street & Washington Avenue – Mile 4.2
3. Juniper & Walnut Streets – Mile 6.2
4. 34th & Chestnut Streets – Mile 7.6 (revised: 11/19/24)
5. Reservoir Drive – Smith Memorial Playground – Mile 10.4
6. Kelly Drive just south of Girard Avenue Bridge – Mile 12.0 

Saturday, November 23 – Rothman Orthopaedics 8K

1. Kelly Drive just south of Girard Avenue Bridge - Miles 1.0 and 3.8 (revised: 11/20/24)

Sunday, November 24 – AACR Philadelphia Marathon

1. Columbus Boulevard south of Race Street – Mile 2.3
2. Front Street & Washington Avenue – Mile 3.7
3. 6th & Walnut Streets – Mile 5.1
4. 31st & Walnut Streets – Mile 7.1
5. 34th Street & Fairmount Avenue – Mile 8.5
6. Avenue of the Republic at Belmont Avenue – Mile 10.2
7. Lansdowne Drive @ Sweetbriar Lane, just after traffic circle – Mile 11.8
8. Edgley Drive before Power Corps Headquarters Building – Mile 14.4
9. Kelly Drive @ John B Kelly Statue / Rowing Grandstand - Miles 16.2 & 24.2 (revised: 11/19/24)
10. Kelly Drive & Ferry Street – Miles 17.8 & 22.3
11. Main Street & Ridge Avenue – Miles 18.9 & 21.3
12. Main & Cotton Streets, Winnie’s LeBus – Miles 19.8 & 20.2
13. Finish Line, Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Mile 26.2

Prohibited items

• Weapons and contraband of any kind (regardless of permitting).  This will include firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc. NOTE: Right-to-Carry permits will not be honored and weapons will not be permitted into the venue.
• Fireworks (includes flammable liquids, fuels or explosives)
• Suitcases
• Bulky items or packages larger than 12”x12”x6”
• Containers (glass, aluminum or otherwise) that can hold more than 1 liter of liquid.  (Sealed water bottles & sealed baby bottles are permitted). NOTE: NO glass containers of any type or size are permitted!
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or illicit substances of any kind
• Bicycles or scooters (bikes/scooters may be parked outside the venue, in the protected Bike Valet zone on River Field, 24th Street & south side of Eakins Oval – Checkpoint #4)
• Facial costume masks of any kind (except religious headwear).
• NOTE:  Persons entering the secured zone may wear a COVID prevention mask covering both their nose and mouth. Security personnel will NOT deny entry to persons wearing this mask.
• Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS/Drones)
• Selfie sticks
• Props (includes flagpoles, military or fire gear, sporting equipment or other hard objects)
• Coolers (hard sided; plastic, metal, etc.). NOTE:  Soft sided coolers ARE PERMITTED! Must be hand searched at the entry gate.
• Large umbrellas (i.e. Beach Umbrellas)
• Animals or reptiles (Exception: ADA defined service animals (only dogs; refer to ADA fact sheet) are permitted for spectators only. No animals are allowed on the race course(s))

Discouraged items

• Large blankets, comforters or sleeping bags.

• Backpacks, handbags or shoulder bags of any kind (clear plastic participant bags are permitted)

• Action cameras

By Car: Philadelphia is conveniently located just 2 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C. Major access routes include I-95, I-76, I-476, along with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes.

By Rail: Amtrak operates from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia with service along the Northeast Corridor. 30th Street Station is just a few minutes cab ride from Center City.

By Air: Philadelphia International Airport is served by most major airlines. Several new discount air carriers provide affordable and convenient flights into Philadelphia. A cab ride from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City takes approximately 20 minutes. Or, take the SEPTA train departing the airport every 30 minutes with service to Center City.

• 22nd & Walden Streets, SP+ Parking, (215) 568-4025

• 222 North 20th Street, Standard Parking, (215) 448-1391
• 1815 Cherry Street, Logan Square Parking, (215) 567-3744
• 16th & Race Streets (Sheraton Hotel), Standard Parking, (215) 196-0293
• 1815 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, (215) 568-8030 (Entrance on 1850 Cuthbert Street)
• 1901 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, (215) 557-3821 (Entrance on 19th Street)
• 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Windsor Suites, (215) 569-0899
• 36 S. 19th Street, Central Parking System, (215) 561-1187

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has adopted the following age participation policies by event distance:

• 16 and older for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon;
• 14 and older for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon;
• 12 and older for the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K;
• (new!) 4 through 12 for the Nemours Children's Run

All youth race participants under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian's signed authorization on the official event application and waiver.

Be prepared to provide proof of age when picking up a minor's race packet.

You can confirm your registration by logging in to your registration page on Race Roster.

One of the things that makes Philadelphia great is its unique neighborhoods. Information on tours and itineraries are available at www.visitphilly.com. For those who prefer to travel on their own, contact SEPTA, the city's public transportation system at (215) 580-7800 or check out schedules at www.septa.org.

Philadelphia has some of the best dining in the world, where you can find everything from cheesesteaks to French gourmet. You can review information about many of Philadelphia's fine restaurants at www.visitphilly.com.

Race Roster is the official race registration platform for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. If you are a new user of Race Roster, first, you create a user profile where you can select your preferred gender category. Your user profile will automatically populate during our race registration processes.

For existing Race Roster users, please log in to your user profile and adjust your gender identity category in the profile settings. You must update the gender identity category in your profile settings BEFORE registering for our races; otherwise, a change will not occur.

Race weekend results display Men, Women, and Non-binary gender identity categories. Participants’ race results reflect the gender identity category selected at registration. If a participant has completed a previous Philadelphia Marathon Weekend race in a different gender identity category, past results do not auto-populate to the participant’s updated gender identity category. Please find all race results on the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend race results page

We have increased the number of all-gender facilities available at the marathon weekend. All-gender restrooms are available at the Health and Expo inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, at the finish line, and along the race course.

All-gender changing areas and the private lactation stations are at the finish line. These areas will be monitored throughout the race weekend by security, who have undergone sensitivity training to ensure they remain a safe space for all participants.