About the race
The Philadelphia Marathon is held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, as the centrepiece of a race weekend that also includes a half marathon and an 8K. It ranks among the ten largest marathons in the United States.
History
The race's roots go back to 1954 as an unofficial event, and it ran under several names, including the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon in the early 1980s and the Fairmount Park Marathon in the late 1980s. The modern marathon was established in 1994 under then-Mayor Ed Rendell as a race run entirely within the city, and its first edition had a little over 1,500 runners. It is produced by the City of Philadelphia's Managing Director's Office.
The course
The route starts and finishes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and is relatively flat. It passes historic landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell, runs through Old City along Penn's Landing next to the Delaware River, and follows the Schuylkill River out to Manayunk. The organiser also mentions Fairmount Park, University City and a closing push toward the Art Museum steps.
Distances and the 2026 weekend
The organiser's weekend is 20 to 22 November 2026, with the marathon on the Sunday. It also stages the Philadelphia Half Marathon, an 8K, a kids run and multi-race challenges, drawing over 30,000 athletes in total.
Entry basics
The organiser's site says the 2026 marathon, half marathon and 8K are sold out and that registration has closed. Guaranteed entry is available through official charity partners, and the site warns that bibs cannot be transferred between individuals, so offers to sell a bib are not valid. The marathon is a Boston qualifier.
Where to watch
Wikipedia reports more than 20 cheer zones along the course, and the organiser singles out residents cheering in University City and Manayunk. Many supporters also gather near the finish by the Art Museum. Detours in parts of the city begin early in the morning.
Weather
November is mid to late autumn in Philadelphia. The organiser describes the weather as mellow, with cool race mornings typical for the season, but conditions can vary from year to year, so look at the forecast closer to the date.
SourcesPhiladelphia Marathon home · Wikipedia: Philadelphia Marathon