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Philadelphia Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Race Date: 11/22/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Philadelphia Marathon Description
The Philadelphia Marathon starts and finishes near the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s famed “Rocky Steps,” touring Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Schuylkill River, and Boathouse Row along the way. The mostly flat, Boston-qualifying course draws thousands each late November for one of the country’s most historic marathons, with enthusiastic crowds lining the route from start to finish.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Philadelphia Marathon Additional Details:
The finisher medal here has earned a devoted following of its own: a Liberty Bell rendered in miniature, complete with a tiny clapper that actually swings and rings, surrounded by Philly pop-culture touches like the Rocky statue, the Art Museum steps, and the LOVE sculpture. Aid stations keep pace with the course’s reputation for good organization, offering water, NUUN, and gels at frequent intervals, with a few stations even pouring beer for runners who want it. The loudest stretch of the day comes around mile 20 in Manayunk, where the neighborhood turns out in full, music blasting and crowds packed shoulder to shoulder, exactly the kind of jolt marathoners need late in the race.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 13,000
Marathon: 11,000+
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 744 ft (227 m)
Elevation Loss: 744 ft (227 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 37°F
- High: 53°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Philadelphia, PA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Shopping
King of Prussia
Browse the third-largest mall in America at King of Prussia, just outside the city — an easy, flat, indoor stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Arts & Culture
Philadelphia Museum of Art
See more than 240,000 works, from Van Gogh to a Japanese teahouse, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Philadelphia Zoo
See nearly 1,900 animals across 42 acres at the Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, including the immersive Zoo360 trail system — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Wissahickon Valley Park
Explore more than 50 miles of rugged trails at Wissahickon Valley Park, a forested escape within the city — a relaxed, moderate way to spend a rest day.
Outdoors & Trails
Schuylkill Banks
Walk or bike the eight-mile Schuylkill Banks greenway promenade, linking Center City to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Landmark
Magic Gardens
Wander the glittering mosaic maze of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, artist Isaiah Zagar’s half-block art installation on South Street — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Museums & History
Please Touch Museum
Explore interactive zones and a 100-year-old carousel at the Please Touch Museum, inside the National Historic Landmark Memorial Hall — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Philadelphia Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes