Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia Marathon

( 65 reviews )
98% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Philadelphia,
    Pennsylvania,
    United States
  • November
  • 5 miles/8K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

John

New Jersey, United States
7 10
2015
"Review-Philly 1/2 "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
John 's thoughts:

I wrapped up my 2015 running schedule with the Philadelphia Half Marathon. Lots to talk about so here goes:

Expo- It was held in Center City at the PA Convention Center. I don't believe in paying $$ to park in order to pick up my bib so I took a train into the city from NJ (where I live). Very easy bib/T-Shirt pick up and I was also able to get some supplies for raceday. There was a lot of race related merchandise on sale as well.
Raceday- The race starts at 7am. I'm not a big fan of early race starts as I had to leave my place a little after 4am to catch the train and get to the start. I understand that there were long waits to get thru the security checkpoints but I had no problem with that, especially with what was going on in the world recently. Once you got past the checkpoint, very easy to get to your corral and check you bag. Gear check trucks were organized by runners last name.
The start of the race went along really smooth. I think I started in the sixth corral so there were no issues navigating traffic early on. The first 6 miles you run thru Center City, Olde City, Penns Landing, South Philly. Around mile 5 you run past Independence Hall. The crowds along South St, Front St, and especially Chestnut Street are really good and supportive. The run down Chestnut St, in terms of crowd support, is as good as any race I've been in.
After you cross the Schuylkill River into University City the crowds thin out a bit (although you get the college kids at Drexel U cheering you on) and you start to hit a few hills. There are 2 challenging hills, one on 34th St after mile 7 and one in Fairmount Park around mile 10. Adding to it is the wind in your face. Not fun. There was a nice downhill by the Philly Zoo around mile 8 so knowing that the hill in the park was coming up I pushed myself a little. The last 3 miles, in Fairmount Park, you had the wind at your back so that helped a bit. By the time you get to the Art Museum there is the split for those that are doing the full marathon. You finish the race same place where you start. Hopefully at the finish you get a high five from Mayor Nutter, who is really supportive of the running community in Philly.
Post race- Probably one of the best medals I've received. The medal includes the Liberty Bell that rings. I swear, it sounded like thousands of Salvation Army collectors during Xmas! They offered fruits, chips, water, gatorade, and a Philly staple, pretzels. And this is the only race I've been to where chicken broth is given out.
Result- I ran my fastest half marathon in 3 years. I was actually shocked I put up such a good score. Familarity with the course helped but maybe the fact the pope celebrated mass in September at the same location was a factor. Who knows.
Summary- This is a race that I recommend. I run quite a few races in the Philadelphia area during the year and this is one of my favorites. In a way, it is kinda like a 'final exam' on my running for the year. Is it the best road race in Philadelphia? No, that would be the Broad St 10 Mile Run in May, which is currently by #1 race anywhere on my calendar. But if you're looking to do a half marathon in November, definitely check this one out. It's a good one if you're trying to go after a PR. Maybe I'll see you here in 2016!

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