Philadelphia Marathon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Philadelphia Marathon
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Distance	Marathon
Primary sponsor	AACR
Established	1954
Course records	Men: 2:13:28 (2021) Mike Chesire Women: 2:28:34 (2021) Leslie Sexton
Participants	10,054 (2019) 9,529 (2018)

The Philadelphia Marathon is a big running event held every year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It takes place on the third Sunday of November. This marathon has been happening since 1954.

It is one of the top ten largest marathons in the United States. Over 30,000 runners take part. About 60,000 people come to watch, and 3,000 volunteers help out. Runners come from all 50 states and over 42 countries. The race path is officially measured at 42.195 kilometers (about 26.2 miles). This measurement is approved by USA Track & Field.

History of the Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon started way back in 1954. At first, it was a smaller race held outside the city center. It had different names over the years. Some names included the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon and the Fairmount Park Marathon.

In 1994, the race became known as the Philadelphia Marathon. It was set up by Mayor Ed Rendell. This new race took place completely within the city of Philadelphia. The very first race in 1994 had just over 1,500 runners.

Today, the Marathon is a major event. It happens on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It is a top race for runners who want to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The event includes seven different races. These are the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, and the Rothman Orthopaedic 8K. There are also four "challenges" where runners do multiple races over two days.

Many people help make the Marathon Weekend a success. Over 60,000 spectators cheer on the runners. About 3,000 volunteers provide important support. They help organize cheer zones and manage water stations. They also guide runners along the course. Volunteers from local schools and colleges are a big part of this effort. They help runners have the best experience in Philadelphia.

The City of Philadelphia's Managing Director's Office organizes the Marathon. In 1995, a shorter race, the Rothman 8K, was added. It was sponsored by Dr. Peter Sharkey and a group of runners. This 8K race is now a key part of Marathon Weekend. It is great for new runners or those who want a shorter distance. It can also be a warm-up for longer races.

In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday events. This was done by Janis Pierce, who was a city official and a runner. By 2016, the event grew into a two-day festival. The half marathon and 8K races happen on Saturday. The full marathon takes place on Sunday.

In 2020, the Marathon was canceled. This happened because Mayor Jim Kenney stopped large public gatherings. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Runners could choose to race in a future year or get a refund.

The marathon returned in 2021. Only vaccinated runners could participate in person. The Dunkin Kids Fun Run was canceled that year. Over 21,000 runners took part, both in person and virtually. In 2023, a record 34,000 runners participated. This included the full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and a children's race.

The Race Course

The Philadelphia Marathon course starts and finishes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The course is mostly flat. It offers amazing views of many famous places. These include Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and the Liberty Bell.

The race path goes through the historic Old City. It runs along Penn's Landing, next to the Delaware River. It also follows the Schuylkill River and goes out to Manayunk. The highest point on the course is about 148 feet high. While there are some small hills, the course is considered very flat compared to other big marathons.

Runner Information

The Philadelphia Marathon is a great race for runners. It helps them qualify for the famous Boston Marathon. Runners whose times meet certain standards can use this race to enter Boston.

The race uses a modern timing system. Each runner has a small chip on their race bib. This chip records their "chip time." This is the exact time from when they cross the start line to the finish line. It also gives a "gun time," which is the time from when the race officially begins.

Health and Fitness Expo

Before the race, runners go to a free two-day expo. It is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Here, runners pick up their race packets. These packets include their race bib, timing tag, a T-shirt, and a bag.

Cheer Zones

Spectators can choose from over 20 special "cheer zones." These zones are set up along the course. They are great places to show support and cheer for the runners.

Transportation

Some streets in Philadelphia have detours during the marathon. These changes usually start at 3 AM and last until 1 PM on race day.

Awards and Medals

The Philadelphia Marathon gives out several cash prizes for the full marathon.

• 1st place: $10,000 for one male and one female runner.
• 2nd place: $5,000 for one male and one female runner.
• 3rd place: $2,500 for one male and one female runner.
• There are also special prizes for the fastest Masters runners (older age group).
• A prize is given to the fastest Philadelphian resident.
• The fastest wheelchair athlete also receives a prize.

All runners who finish the marathon get a Philadelphia Marathon T-shirt. They also receive a special Finisher Medal. A finisher certificate is available online after the race.

Other Races During Marathon Weekend

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

The Half Marathon was added to the Race Weekend in 2006. This race takes runners through many beautiful and historic parts of Philadelphia. It goes through Old City and Center City. It crosses the Schuylkill River and runs along Fairmount Park. The course is officially approved by USA Track & Field. Dietz & Watson is the main sponsor for this half-marathon race. Each runner gets a T-shirt, a finisher medal, and an online certificate.

Rothman 8K

The Rothman Orthopaedic group sponsors an 8-kilometer (about 5 miles) race. This race is a shorter version of the marathon. It starts on the wide Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Then it turns onto the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River. Each runner receives a T-shirt, a finisher medal, and an online certificate.

Being Green: Environmental Impact

The AACR Philadelphia Marathon works to be an eco-friendly event. They team up with the Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement. Their goal is to make the race good for the environment.

They started their green efforts in 2007. They began recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, food, and even medals. Each year, they added more ways to "go green." They recycle wooden pallets. They partner with the More Foundation to recycle old sneakers. These sneakers help families in Ghana. They also work with the Streets Department to compost cups and food waste. They even have "Waste Watchers Volunteers" to help sort trash on site.

In 2012-2013, the Philadelphia Marathon earned a Gold Certification. This came from the Council of Responsible Sport (ReSport). This group checks events for how good they are for the environment and community. In 2014-2015, the Marathon received Green Certification. They also achieved "Zero Waste," meaning over 90% of their waste was kept out of landfills.

Some of their green actions include:

• Recycling heat sheets (foil blankets given to runners).
• Collecting and donating warm-up clothes left by runners.
• Recycling runners' bags.
• Composting race cups.
• Melting down and recycling extra finisher medals.

Past Winners

Year	Men's time	Men's winner	Country	Women's time	Women's winner	Country
19 Nov, 2023	2:14:26	Benard Kiptoo Koech	Kenya	2:30:53	Mercy Jerop Kwambai	Kenya
20 Nov, 2022	2:14:20	Dominic Ondoro	Kenya	2:31:35	Amber Zimmerman	United States
21 Nov, 2021	2:13:28	Michael Chesire	Kenya	2:28:34	Leslie Sexton	Canada
Not held 2020 due to COVID-19
24 Nov, 2019	2:16:31	Deriba Degefa	Ethiopia	2:32:49	Feyne Gemeda	Ethiopia
18 Nov, 2018	2:14:47	Tadesse Dabi	Ethiopia	2:32:53	Serkalem Biset Abrha	Ethiopia
19 Nov, 2017	2:16:25	Boniface Kongin	Kenya	2:38:14	Sarah Kiptoo	United States
20 Nov, 2016	2:15:53	Jonathan Cheruiyot	Kenya	2:36:25	Taylor Ward	United States
22 Nov, 2015	2:17:44	Teklu Deneke	Ethiopia	2:40:05	Gisela Olalde	Mexico
23 Nov, 2014	2:17:28	Dan Vassallo	United States	2:40:00	Leonora Petrina	United States
17 Nov, 2013	2:17:28	Abebe Mekuriya	Ethiopia	2:39:06	Irina Alexandrova	Russia
18 Nov, 2012	2:17:49	Michael McKeeman	United States	2:35:37	Irina Mashkantseva	Russia
20 Nov, 2011	2:19:16	Folisho Tuko	United States	2:35:46	Mariska Kramer	Netherlands
22 Nov, 2010	2:21:28	Daniel Vassallo (MA)	United States	2:38:55	Mariska Kramer	Netherlands
22 Nov, 2009	2:17:15	John Crews (NC)	United States	2:46:44	Jutta Merilainen	Finland
23 Nov, 2008	2:19:57	Andriy Toptun	Ukraine	2:44:02	Vera Ovcharuk	Ukraine
18 Nov, 2007	2:25:01	Timothy Psitet	Kenya	2:42:05	Kristin Price (NC)	United States
19 Nov, 2006	2:17:09	Hosea Kimutai	Kenya	2:40:31	Maryina Bychkova	Russia
20 Nov, 2005	2:21:02	Joseph Ndiritu-2	Kenya	2:43:07	Emily Kroshus	Canada
21 Nov, 2004	2:19:43	Michael Korir-2	Kenya	2:41:57	Larisa Mikhailova	Russia
23 Nov, 2003	2:16:47	Joseph Ndiritu	Kenya	2:45:05	Seana Carmean (MA)	United States
24 Nov, 2002	2:18:43	Michael Korir	Kenya	2:39:47	Tatyana Maslova	Russia
18 Nov, 2001	2:21:07	Gennadiy Temnikov	Russia	2:41:05	Elena Plastinina	Ukraine
19 Nov, 2000	2:18:03	Brian Clas (NY)	United States	2:41:56	Elvira Kolpakova	Russia
21 Nov, 1999	2:25:46	Tesfaye Bekele	Ethiopia	2:37:59	Anne Marie Lauck (NJ)	United States
22 Nov, 1998	2:24:12	Ryan Grote (NJ)	United States	2:44:59	Jan Wanklyn-2	United States
23 Nov, 1997	2:19:03	Gavin Gaynor (PA)	United States	2:41:35	Sarah Hunter	Canada
24 Nov, 1996	2:19:55	Nikolic Srba	Yugoslavia	2:50:01	Bea Marie Altieri (MD)	United States
19 Nov, 1995	2:20:15	Mark Andrews (NC)	United States	2:39:54	Jeanne Peterson (NY)	United States
20 Nov, 1994	2:21:22	Charles Crabb (PA)	United States	2:52:08	Jan Wanklyn (PA)	United States
Not held 1990-93
1989	2:22	Tim Wunch	United States
1988	2:32:23	Fred Schneck (PA)	United States
29 Nov, 1987	2:24:08	Tim Wunsch	United States	2:54:12	Lori Lawson	United States
23 Nov, 1986	2:25:25	Ira Meyers (PA)	United States	2:47:15	Doreen Mastalli (NY)	United States
24 Nov, 1985	2:18:27a	Derick Adamson-2	Jamaica	2:38:30a	Sandra Mewett	Bermuda
25 Nov, 1984	2:16:39a	Derick Adamson	Jamaica	2:42:30a	Barbara Filtuze (PA)	United States
27 Nov, 1983	2:15:26a	Sam Pelletier (ME)	United States	2:36:38a	Jane Welzel	United States
28 Nov, 1982	2:14:59a	William Scholl (NJ)	United States	2:34:28a	Jan Yerkes-2	United States
29 Nov, 1981	2:17:25a	Dave Patterson (PA)	United States	2:39:11a	Jan Yerkes (PA)	United States
30 Nov, 1980	2:26:18	William Devoe	United States	3:04:36	Pam Borowsky	United States
25 Nov, 1979	2:30:06	Richard Hayden	United States	3:05:21	Chris Schilling	United States
26 Nov, 1978	2:22:38	Richard diSebastian-2	United States	2:56:05	Carol Geig	United States
1977	2:25:59	Richard diSebastian	United States	none
1976	2:24:59.6	Dave Patterson	United States
29 Nov, 1975	2:26:12	Carlo Cherubino & Larry Frederick	United States	3:04:44	Nancy Kent	Cornell
01 Dec, 1974	2:21:57	Bill Rodgers (MA)	United States	3:25:33	Mary Devlin	United States
25 Nov, 1973	2:29:44.4	Bill Bragg	United States
26 Nov, 1972	2:27:29.5	Rick Bayko	United States
28 Nov, 1971	2:26:44.8	Moses Mayfield-2	United States
29 Nov, 1970	2:24:29	Moses Mayfield	United States	none
30 Nov, 1969	2:32:52.4	Leo Duart	United States	none
1968	2:36:35.6	Jim McDonagh	United States
03 Dec, 1967	2:24:23	Bill Clark (CA)	United States	none
18 Dec, 1966	2:24:43.4	Amby Burfoot (CT)	United States	3:58:49	Sue Morse	United States
26 Dec, 1965	2:34:07.6	Tom Osler (NJ)	United States	none
24 Jan, 1965	2:37:23	John Kelly (NY)	United States	none
19 Jan, 1964	2:20:05	Adolf Gruber-2	Austria	none
27 Jan, 1963	2:39:49	Adolf Gruber	Austria	none
28 Jan, 1962	2:33:13.6	Ted Corbitt -4	United States	none
Not held 1960-1961
25 Jan, 1959	2:29:43	Ted Corbitt-3	United States	none
05 Jan, 1958	2:26:44	Ted Corbitt-2	United States	none
27 Jan, 1957	2:31:19	Jack Barry-2	United States	none
29 Jan, 1956	2:36:09	Jack Barry (PA)	United States	none
30 Jan, 1955	2:25:23	Johnny J Kelley	United States	none
31 Jan, 1954	2:36:06	Ted Corbitt (NY)	United States	none

Winners by Country

Winners by Continent

Sponsors of the Marathon

Different companies and groups help support the Philadelphia Marathon. They provide money and resources to make the event possible.

In 2013, Gore-Tex became the main sponsor for three years. In 2017, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) took over as the main sponsor for the full marathon. They also signed on for three years.

Also in 2017, Dietz & Watson became the official sponsor for the half marathon. The Rothman Institute agreed to continue sponsoring the 8K event. They have been a part of the Marathon for over 19 years. This started when Drs. Richard Rothman and Peter Sharkey first sponsored the 8K.

In 2017, Dunkin' Donuts became the official sponsor for the Dunkin' Munchkins Run. In 2018, Garmin joined as a sponsor. They were named the official timer and running watch for that year's marathon.

See also

• Broad Street Run
• Philadelphia Distance Run
• Sports in Philadelphia