Philadelphia Marathon

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Country:  United States
Website:  https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date:  23/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  22/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:13:57

% Sub-3s:  5-10%
# Sub-3s:  500-999
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Philadelphia Marathon is one of the United States’ fastest and most historic urban marathons, offering a largely flat, scenic course that blends American heritage with a vibrant city atmosphere. Although marathon running in Philadelphia dates back to the 1920s — including the 1926 Sesquicentennial Marathon from Valley Forge to the old Municipal Stadium — the modern event was formally established in 1994, when the City of Philadelphia took control and created a single, city-focused race. That first edition drew around 1,500 participants, and the event has since grown into one of the top ten marathons in the country, attracting nearly 37,000 runners across its marathon, half marathon, 8K, and kids’ events. It is USATF-certified and a recognised Boston Qualifier.

The race begins and ends on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art — and its famous “Rocky steps” — serving as the race’s defining backdrop. From the start, runners head into the heart of the city, moving through Philadelphia’s historic districts and past some of the nation’s most recognisable landmarks. Early miles take participants near Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross House, setting a tone that reflects the city’s deep Revolutionary history. The course then transitions through Old City, Penn’s Landing and University City, offering a mix of cultural neighbourhoods and varied scenery.

Around miles 7 to 11, runners encounter gentle rolling hills as the route moves through Fairmount Park. These middle miles provide the course’s primary elevation changes, though the profile remains largely flat overall, with a highest point of roughly 148 feet. After emerging from the park, the marathon settles into its signature stretch: an out-and-back along the Schuylkill River toward Manayunk. This riverside section is known for its open views, supportive crowds and predictable pacing, making it a favourite for athletes targeting personal bests.

The return leg along the river leads runners back to the Parkway for the final push toward the Museum of Art. With its November date, historically rich setting and reliably fast layout, the Philadelphia Marathon delivers a compelling combination of speed, atmosphere and city pride — a modern race built on nearly a century of running heritage.