This is an event. 40,000 runners on a major city street. The start is always crowded and chaotic but the organizers do a good job with the corrals and if you seed properly you will be able to run at your pace from the beginning. It is a chip race so relax if you can't immediately get to your corral. If you are fast and want to go off in one of the first three waves you should get to your corral early but all others can be more relaxed. There are plenty of water stops. Spectators are sparse in the first 4 miles but miles 5 thru 6 has lots and mile 8 to the finish. It's crowded but I never had a problem keeping pace - do know you won't be able to speed up much in mile 9 and especially the last quarter so if you have energy to surge do it in mile 8. The finished is very crowded but this year they did a great job moving the runners thru the refreshment area. I did find the medal setup a little confusing and almost walked away without mine. I recommend they go back to giving the medals before the refreshments. The volunteers on the course and at the finish are great and we runners should be grateful for their service. I believe this is a must do if you run in the Philly area. If you accept what it is you will have fun.