I really enjoyed my entire experience in Philadelphia. It was my first visit to the city so I got to do a little sightseeing (mainly the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall). The Expo was decent but didn't tempt me to spend too much. I was disappointed that their race shirts ran small and they didn't have a process for exchanging them on site at the Expo. I traveled nearly 1,500 miles for this race. It was not possible to go into their office the following week to exchange my shirt. Considered purchasing an extra marathon shirt when I returned to the Expo on Saturday but they were very limited. I was also still upset that they didn't have a process for exchanges (thought that was a ploy to sell more shirts). There was a photographer taking pictures at the Gore-Tex booth and I never received my pics via email.

The 2015 GoreTex Philadelphia Marathon started a little late due to management having a car towed off the course. Race day was chilly and windy. When we arrived at the start, there were long security lines for bag check. They should have had at least 5 with 4-6 people each instead of 2 lines with 2 people. Bag check (UPS trucks) was easy to find and had nearby porta potties (unfortunately there was no hand sanitizer or sinks to wash hands).

The race started in downtown Philly and even ran near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. I would have preferred more water stops with Gatorade later in the course instead of every other water stop. Course support was great and the volunteers were awesome. It was hard passing by the Philadelphia Museum of Art where the famous Rocky steps are and having to take a left when the half marathoners were taking the right to finish their race. The remaining out and back was somewhat uneventful; however, there were a few cheer stations (especially before Falls bridge and in Manayunk) that were invigorating!

The finish was especially memorable. The mayor gave me a high five! Awesome medal with an actual "cracked" Liberty Bell that rings. Disappointed about the finisher pics! They were taking photos in front of a green screen. Thought they were going to place my image somewhere interesting. No. It was just in front of a green curtain. Refreshments included broth, pretzel, banana and rice chips. Tight security wouldn't let you go back once you approached gear check. Very little finisher gear was left when I finished.

MM#8854