Philadelphia Marathon to Return with 50% Reduction in Runners
The Philadelphia Marathon was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, but the event is expected to return November 19-21.
“While canceling the 2020 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend was necessary, it was still a difficult announcement to make,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Today, we’re filled with hope as vaccine distribution continues to increase, making announcements like today’s possible. We are excited as we plan for the return of an iconic Philadelphia event, and we’re committed to creating the safest environment for our staff, athletes, volunteers, and partners. Safety is our top priority, and we continue to work closely with public health experts to plan and execute a safe, successful marathon weekend.”
The 2021 marathon will have a 50% reduction in runners for each of the four events: AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman 8K, and the Dunkin’ Munchkin Run.
Other changes made to the race include:
- Restricted access to start and finish lines exclusively for runners; spectators will be limited to spectator zones located throughout the course of the race.
- The Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon will begin at 7 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. to allow for increased distancing between runners. All other race event times will remain the same.
- Hydration and nutrition stations will follow public health safety guidelines.
- Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be modified to public health safety guidelines.
- A pre-event questionnaire will be sent to all registered participants assessing their exposure risk in advance requiring them to disclose known symptoms.
- Participants and planned spectators who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms in the week leading up to race day will not be allowed to attend.
- There will be no registration or packet pick-up on event day.
- Runners will be required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose in the start line corral and after crossing the finish line.
- Runners will be assigned into eight corrals with 10 runners starting in waves every 10 seconds to allow for more distance between runners. Runners will be spaced three feet apart in starting corrals.
- Traditional high fives and other significant celebratory points of contact will not be permitted at the finish line.
- Runners will be required to remain socially distanced from others when they cross the finish line.
Runners who are registered to run in-person during races scheduled on November 20 or 21 will be given the option to participate virtually if they wish to, or if they are unable to run in-person due to illness.
