The Philadelphia Marathon is a mostly flat to gently rolling course that consists of a 16 mile loop to start the race through University City, Manayunk and the historic district followed by a 10 mile out and back section along the Schuylkill River. The only two major hills are relatively early in the race - at approximately 7 and 9 miles.
The Philadelphia Marathon was the 8th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 8th largest in 2023.
Last year 7.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 13.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Philadelphia Marathon the 224th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 125th highest percentage in 2023.
Its Course Score of 98.17 ranks it as the 306th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 13th fastest course in Pennsylvania.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Philadelphia Marathon a PR Score of 98.17. This PR Score ranks it as the 252nd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 12th fastest in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Philadelphia Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 148 feet (45m) Min Elevation: 5 feet (1m)
Race has fantastic crowd support, especially downtown and in Manayunk around miles 19-21. All around great course, very scenic, lots of energy, and aid stations were stocked. There are a few hills around miles 7, 9, and 12 but if you've trained they shouldn't bother you too much. Last 10 miles are just small rolling hills. Great finish line support area, too.
Race Tips
Try not to get carried away with the loud crowd support early on. It's easy to go out too fast and pay for it later.
I stayed downtown at the Element Philadelphia hotel. It was really nice outside of the $60 for parking. Great location though.
Anonymous's review of 2024 Philadelphia Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
2024 race perspective. Transportation via subway, busses, or walking to and from the start/ finish worked well! The expo is not nearly as crazy as the other big Abbot events.
The start and finish being in the same spot is ideal for various reasons: viewing, logistics, stay location, etc. The warming tent was great, and the bathroom lines were okay. Conditions were cool, a little overcast, a little extra breezy - but all considered, great!
My partner and I were both in the first corral and were glad that most runners were respective of their estimated times. We didn't feel a big wave coming by or felt like we had to push through folks, and for reference, I ran 2:50, and she ran 3:05 with a bathroom stop. We got up to pace and had a little room within the first mile or so.
This is a fast course. The hills and rises give the course some challenges but are not too arduous. I like them because they shift the muscle load around - except for the last one, about 500' before the finish line. It's pretty cruel. Only, other gripe is the U-turn around mile 20'ish. It's a bit annoying, but the crowds are jammin and keep you motivated.
The crowds are excellent throughout. It's not packed 5 deep like NYC, but the energy was very supportive. Also, for spectators, this course is well-laid out. Our crew saw us six times! There are plenty of fluids on the course but minimal nutrition, which is fine. It doesn't seem like many people use on-course stuff these days.
It was a great experience, nice to spend a few days in the historic city, and a good course.
Crowd support was great. It was a nice tour of the city, although passing directly in front if Independence Hall (instead of on the side) would've been nice. My hotel was about a mile away and I was able to easily walk to and from the race.
Personally, I'm not a fan of out and backs. This course has a few, including just under the last half. This was mentally challenging when running out to the turnaround in Manyunk. It was nice, however, being able to see my friend along the way.
Agree with others about the lack of food options at the end, although the orange juice was great. And the Dietz and Watson hotdogs really hit the spot. But the race provided food was water, some fruit/nut bars, chicken broth, and bananas.
But overall, if you're thinking about doing it then just do it. You'll enjoy it.
Race Tips
Everyone has mentioned the hills at 8 and 10, however the turnaround in Manyunk is what really surprised and taxed me. It's not that it was a steep uphill, but it was pretty much uphill until the turnaround. This cost me in the last 10k of the race. Still a relatively flat course, though.
I left my hotel around 6am, arrived near the start line at 6:20am, and was eventually rushed through security just before 7am. The security line was long and didn't move quickly at all until the race was about to start. Be prepared for that.
DEL's review of 2021 Philadelphia Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Scenery and crowd support are top notch - THE ENTIRE WAY. Great city & area for a destination race. Benefits of a huge race, but small enough to connect with a few folks here and there. Weather in 2021 was perfect: 38 degrees at race start (warming tent was big enough for any/all who needed it), zero wind. Pretty fast course and you’re done with the real hills by 13 - none are terrible. The crazy crowd and noise at Manyunk (19-21) was a lot of fun. Expo was a bit thin, but you should be out enjoying the city anyway.
Race Tips
Only significant hills are between 8-13 & not too bad. This can be a very fast course. The out&back portion (16-24) is not bad at all. Last half to 3/4 mile is an uphill slog but the insane crowd will carry you to the finish.
Stay anywhere near Rittenhouse Square. Very walkable area, plenty to do, good restaurants, etc. 1-mile walk/jog to start, but there are shuttles (one picks up at the Doubletree).
Levente K's review of 2021 Philadelphia Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Well organized with volunteers helping every step. There is a nice vibe around the competition.
Race Tips
Flat route good for every level.The Philly folks are great with cheerings and offering along the route.
