AACR Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon is a big city fall race that doubles as a sightseeing tour of the city. Starting on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the course rolls past historic landmarks, neighborhood main streets and riverfront views before returning to the Art Museum finish. Its fast, USATF certified route, mellow late November weather and deep fields make it a popular choice for both first time marathoners and runners chasing Boston qualifying times.

The marathon starts on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, heads into Center City and the historic district near Independence Hall, then loops back toward the Schuylkill River. Runners follow long stretches of riverfront through Fairmount Park, cross toward University City and tackle the out and back to Manayunk, famous for its bar front cheer zones. The profile is mostly flat with a few gentle rollers and long straight sections that make it easy to lock into goal pace, especially in the second half.

Race weekend falls in late November, when typical race morning temperatures sit in the upper 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit and highs usually reach the 40s or low 50s. Recent race days have featured cool, crisp conditions that are close to ideal for marathon racing, though wind along the river can occasionally feel sharp. Plan for layers you can shed early, light gloves at the start and a race kit you are comfortable wearing if the sun breaks through later in the morning.