The Challenges
PATRIOT • INDEPENDENCE • LIBERTY BELL • FREEDOM
The Patriot Challenge
Are you up for a day-long challenge?
Bring an extra pair of running shoes because you will be running a double race on Saturday. Start with the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon early Saturday morning, and keep it rolling in the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K.
This challenge is for those that want to see the stuff they’re made of. If you finish both races, you will earn bragging rights and the hard-earned Patriot Challenge Medal.
Please note that you must finish the half marathon no later than 10:45 a.m.
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events are USATF sanctioned and course-certified.
Due to safety concerns, handcrank bikes are not permitted at any Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events.
Date and Start Time
Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon
November 21, 2026
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
11:00 a.m. – End time
Rothman Orthopaedics 8K
November 21, 2026
10:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
11:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
Location
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon)
25th Street & Kelly Drive,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rothman Orthopaedics 8K)
Register for 2026
Check Your Registration Status
Results
Deferrals and Transfers
The Independence Challenge
Start off with the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K Run as a Saturday warm up for the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday.
The Rothman Orthopaedics 8k begins on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway by the Philadelphia Art Museum and takes you down the picturesque landscape of Kelly Drive. If you like river views, you won’t want to miss this race along the Schuylkill River.
On Sunday even more of our beautiful city will emerge when you run the Philadelphia Marathon through the Historic District. When you complete both events you will earn the Independence Challenge Medal.
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events are USATF sanctioned and course-certified.
Due to safety concerns, handcrank bikes are not permitted at any Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events.
Date and Start Time
Rothman Orthopaedics 8K
November 21, 2026
10:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
11:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
Philadelphia Marathon
November 22, 2026
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
Location
25th Street & Kelly Drive,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rothman Orthopaedics 8K)
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia Marathon)
Register for 2026
Check Your Registration Status
Results
Deferrals and Transfers
The Liberty Bell Challenge
Make history in the city that defined American history!
If you love seeing the sights while running the distance, this is the challenge for you. Run the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon on Saturday and come back for the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday.
You will run past historic Philly landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Art Museum. Completing the Half and Full Marathons will earn you the Liberty Bell Medal.
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events are USATF sanctioned and course-certified.
Due to safety concerns, handcrank bikes are not permitted at any Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events.
Date and Start Time
Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon
November 21, 2026
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
11:30 a.m. – End time
Philadelphia Marathon
November 22, 2026
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
Location
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia Marathon and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon)
Register for 2026
Check Your Registration Status
Results
Deferrals and Transfers
The Freedom Challenge
This is the ultimate fitness challenge!
Make sure you bring extra pairs of running shoes because you will be running all weekend long. Start with the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon early Saturday morning, and keep it rolling in the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K a few hours later.
Then on Sunday compete in the Philadelphia Marathon.
Forget about seeing the sights – you won’t have the time! This is certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you finish all three races you will earn the prestigious Freedom Challenge Medal.
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events are USATF sanctioned and course-certified.
Due to safety concerns, handcrank bikes are not permitted at any Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events.
Date and Start Time
Location
Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon
November 21, 2026
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
11:30 a.m. – End time
Rothman Orthopaedics 8K
November 21, 2026
10:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
11:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
Philadelphia Marathon
November 22, 2026
6:55 a.m. – Push rim wheelchairs
7:00 a.m. – Runners/Walkers
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia Marathon and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon)
25th Street & Kelly Drive,
Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rothman Orthopaedics 8K)
Register for 2026
Deferrals and Transfers
Go ahead… You deserve the VIP treatment.
You’ve trained hard for the moment. You’re psyched and ready for the 2026 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. What more do you need to do?
Take the stress out of the early morning routine with private restrooms, gear check, light continental breakfast items and more before your big moment.
Offering exclusive access to perks and conveniences, this registration add-on includes:
* VIP packet pick-up area at expo
* Private heated hospitality tent near the start/finish of race
* VIP tent hours are 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
* Pre-race breakfast: Continental light fare to include but not limited to: assorted bagels, muffins, toast, oatmeal, yogurts, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and juices
* Post-race brunch with select open bar (must be 21 years old with proper ID)
* Private all gender restrooms and bag check
You can add the VIP registration add-on during registration – register today!
Already registered? You can add the VIP package to your existing registration during the checkout process by purchasing it on the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend store.
Hotel Information
Reservations for 2026 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend hotel rooms are now open!
Some quick reminders:
- If you are holding multiple rooms or hotels in your name, please assign with unique names and or release by Thursday, October 13, 2026, if you are no longer using the room(s). Remember hotels charge for one night’s room and tax for late cancels and no shows.
- All hotels require guests to request early or late check in/check out, please add request to your reservation.
- Last day to access Housing Website – Wednesday, November 3, 2026, 5:00 pm EST.