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The Independence Challenge

Start off with the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K Run as a Saturday warm up for the AACR 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 AACR 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.

2023 registration is now open! 

Dates and Start Times

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K
November 18, 2023
10:55 a.m. - Push rim wheelchairs
11:00 a.m. - Runners/Walkers

AACR Philadelphia Marathon
November 19, 2023
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

Finishers Will Receive

In addition to the give-aways from each race, each finisher will receive the Independence Challenge Medal.

Registration Rate

2023 registration is now open!
$120 (Until April 14, 2023)

Register

Maps (2022)

* Maps subject to change. 

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

Fluid Stations will be set up at the race start and finish and throughout the length of the course.

Lemon-lime flavored Gatorade will be offered in green cups, along with water.

Additionally, Gatorade Energy Gels will be available after mile 11, before mile 18 and after mile 22 on the marathon course.

Sunday, November 20 – AACR Philadelphia Marathon
  1. Columbus Boulevard & Race Street – Mile 2.8
  2. Front Street & Washington Ave. – 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 Carousel House – Mile 10.2
  7. Lansdowne Dr. @ Sweetbriar Lane, just after traffic circle – Mile 11.8
  8. Edgley Drive @ Power Corps Headquarters Building – Mile 14.4
  9. Kelly Drive & Fountain Green – Miles 15.8 & 24.8
  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
Saturday, November 19 – Rothman Orthopaedics 8K
  1. Just past Girard Ave. Bridge overhead.