What You Need to Know About the Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia is gearing up to host its largest marathon. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held from Nov. 21–23, will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and Nemours Children’s Run. Organizers…
Philadelphia is gearing up to host its largest marathon. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held from Nov. 21–23, will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and Nemours Children's Run. Organizers estimate approximately 30,000 participants across all events.
New this year, the marathon has launched a redesigned website and updated app. The app allows runners to schedule packet pickup times at the expo to reduce long lines, track live race results, and receive weather and safety alerts.
Philadelphia Marathon Race Start Times and Locations
All races follow the same course layout as in previous years and — except for the Nemours Children's Run — start at 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Nemours Children's Run begins at Von Colln Memorial Field, 2276 Pennsylvania Ave., adjacent to Eakins Oval.
- Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon: Saturday, Nov. 22, 6:55 a.m. (wheelchairs) | 7 a.m. (runners and walkers)
- Rothman Orthopaedics 8K: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:55 a.m. (wheelchairs); 11 a.m. (runners and walkers)
- AACR Philadelphia Marathon: Sunday, Nov. 23, 6:55 a.m. (wheelchairs); 7 a.m. (runners and walkers)
- Nemours Children's Run: Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.
Philadelphia Marathon Race Routes and Locations
Each race follows a specific route. The marathon and half-marathon wind their way through Center City, Chinatown, Old City, Queen Village, Rittenhouse, and University City, with significant portions running through Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Information for Philadelphia Marathon Spectators
Spectators are welcome to line the race routes to cheer on runners, but they will be restricted from the starting lines and in secure running areas until after 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday to ensure smooth race starts.
Large umbrellas, coolers, and animals (except ADA service dogs) are not allowed. The marathon also discourages bringing large blankets, backpacks, or cameras.
Philadelphia Marathon Road Closures
Extensive weekend road closures are planned, including the entire Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 22nd Street and Eakins Oval. In addition, many streets will be detoured or closed, and reopening will be staggered into Sunday afternoon.
The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Marathon's websites list all road closures for Nov. 21-23.
SEPTA Transportation for the Philadelphia Marathon
Lines 7, 32, 38, 43, 48, and 49 drop riders within a two-minute walk from the Philadelphia Art Museum. Due to the race, there will most likely be detours. SEPTA hasn't announced them yet. Check SEPTA's system status for the latest schedules.
Below are the SEPTA detours from 2024:
Routes K-12
- K, R, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12
Routes 16-31
- 16, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 31
Routes 32-47
- 32, 33, 35, 38, 40, 42, 43, 47
Routes 47M-125
- 47M, 48, 57, 61, 64, 65, 124/125, Trolley Route 15 (Bus)
Bus Routes 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will be temporarily detoured during the setup of marathon events on the Ben Franklin Parkway.
