This year was cold and windy, super windy, but this is an awesome race. I actually enjoyed this race more than the NYC Marathon. My hotel was an easy walk … MORE
This year was cold and windy, super windy, but this is an awesome race. I actually enjoyed this race more than the NYC Marathon.
My hotel was an easy walk to the expo and start/finish line. I could eat breakfast, walk to the start, and just start which was refreshing after NYC. The course goes by most, if not all, of the landmarks of Philly and there is really only one challenging hill in the middle of the course.
This year there weren’t many spectators because of the weather, but I’ve heard the course support is usually great.
Nice medal, awesome shirts, nice expo.
Awesome race
This year was cold and windy, super windy, but this is an awesome race. I actually enjoyed this race more than the NYC Marathon. My hotel was an easy walk … MORE
This year was cold and windy, super windy, but this is an awesome race. I actually enjoyed this race more than the NYC Marathon.
My hotel was an easy walk to the expo and start/finish line. I could eat breakfast, walk to the start, and just start which was refreshing after NYC. The course goes by most, if not all, of the landmarks of Philly and there is really only one challenging hill in the middle of the course.
This year there weren’t many spectators because of the weather, but I’ve heard the course support is usually great.
Nice medal, awesome shirts, nice expo.
I've felt the brotherly love
Second time running, Philly, and while there were some changes this year. It's still a great race. In 2016, they broke apart the half and full - half on Saturday … MORE
Second time running, Philly, and while there were some changes this year. It’s still a great race. In 2016, they broke apart the half and full – half on Saturday and full on Sunday. I was curious what this would do to crowd support, and it did bring it down a bit – but not as much as I expected. I love this race for numerous reasons:
COURSE: I love a city marathon. The course brings you through downtown Philly, through the South Side, up around the Zoo, and then out to Manayunk (I love it there). People are out, crowd support is still good. Manayunk is always a crowd pleaser. There are hills, mostly in the first half, and the second half is fast. This is a fast course. I like it. My two fastest marathon times are here.
PRODUCTION: Great!! I think this is year 23 for them. No hiccups, everything goes as planned (except for the weather). Aid stations are plentiful, as are friendly volunteers. Lots of port-a-potties.
SWAG: They had gender specific tops this year. Lots of shirts and gear for purchase. The medal is kind of nice – very detailed, and it looks like it would stand up on it’s own without the ribbon.
LOCATION: This city is connected to the marathon. Philly is the city of brotherly love, and they are so glad you are there and running. Seriously. I always have a great time visiting.
WEATHER: Unpredictable. In 2013, it was sunny and hot. In 2016, it was a high of 71 on Saturday, and of like 43 on Sunday + wind, wind, and more wind. It’s November.
I typically don’t repeat races. Philly is hands down one of my favorite races ever, and the only marathon I’ve run twice =)
Fast and Friendly Course
I would definitely encourage anyone considering it to run the Philly Marathon. In fact, I think this has been my favorite marathon to date, and not just because it was … MORE
I would definitely encourage anyone considering it to run the Philly Marathon. In fact, I think this has been my favorite marathon to date, and not just because it was a bit fat marathon PR for me.
There are a couple high points that I would consider: (1) The cost of the marathon is relatively low. I registered early and got in for $80. I think as it approaches race day, the cost gets up to $150. Still much cheaper than some of the other big city marathons. (2) The entire city is glad you are there. Seriously, this is the city of brotherly love, and they prove it. Crowds were everywhere, sure, they were drunk, you couldn’t understand that accent, but they came out, and gave you food! I can’t think of a point in the race that I couldn’t see at least on spectator. Even the mayor comes out and gives high-fives at the finish. (3) the course is fast and appealing. The first half is mostly urban, through downtown, and then loops back to the start (where you deposit the HMers), then the second half is more scenic. (4) November weather in Philly is glorious! Honestly, it did get a little warm during my race, but normally, it’s beautiful. (5) I can’t recall a single snafu with race administration. The expo was good, everything went smoothly on the course. As a marathoner, you have the option to drop off with the HMers at mid race. They’ve been doing this for 20 years and it shows.
If there are any downsides, it’s that the hotels in Philly can be pricy. There just aren’t enough of the. I know that some runners complained about the couple of hills that are on the course, but I loved them!
Flat and scenic, but first half better
This was my second attempt in 2013 to PR at the marathon, and I came pretty close. However, the course's insistence on rolling up and down slowed me down in … MORE
This was my second attempt in 2013 to PR at the marathon, and I came pretty close. However, the course’s insistence on rolling up and down slowed me down in the second half. It begins and ends in downtown Philadelphia, runs through college campuses, picturesque neighborhoods, and then a painfully long out-and-back along the Schuylkill river. It does feel like the organizers put most of their efforts into a fun half marathon, with the ENTIRE second half being an out-and-back. Although I can’t fault them for this, it made staying strong in those latter miles very challenging. But if you have a stronger mind than mine, it’s a great place to chase a PR.