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	12,381 (2024) 11,438 (2023)

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 is one of the top ten largest marathons in the United States. More than 10,000 runners finish the race each year. The course is exactly 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi) long. It is officially measured by USA Track & Field.

History of the Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon started a long time ago, in 1954. Back then, it was a smaller race. It was often held outside the main city. The race had different names over the years. Some names included the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon and the Fairmount Park Marathon.

The race we know today as the Philadelphia Marathon began in 1994. Mayor Ed Rendell helped make it an annual event. It was designed to take place entirely within the city of Philadelphia. The very first race in 1994 had just over 1,500 runners.

Marathon Weekend Events

This exciting event happens every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It is a major U.S. running event. Many runners use it to qualify for the Boston Marathon. About 30,000 runners take part in one or more of the seven events. These events include the AACR Philadelphia Marathon and the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon. There is also the Rothman Orthopaedic 8K race.

Runners can also try four "challenges." These challenges involve completing multiple races over two days. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend brings together over 60,000 spectators. About 3,000 volunteers help make the race a success. They set up cheer zones and manage water stations. They also help runners have a great experience in the "City of Brotherly Love."

Growth and Changes Over Time

The City of Philadelphia's Managing Director's Office organizes the Marathon. In 1995, a shorter running event was added. This was the Rothman 8K race. It was sponsored by Dr. Peter Sharkey and a group of runners. This 8K race is now a key part of Marathon Weekend. It's great for beginners or those who want a shorter run.

In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday events. This was thanks to Janis Pierce, who was a city representative and a runner. In 2016, the event became a two-day festival. The half marathon and 8K races were held on Saturday. The full marathon took place on Sunday.

Important Moments and Safety

In 2011, two runners sadly passed away during the marathon. This was the first time this had happened in over ten years. One runner, Jeffrey Lee, collapsed after finishing. The exact cause of his death is still not fully known. Medical experts believe it might have been an underlying heart condition. Another runner, Chris Gleason, collapsed near the finish line from a heart attack. Race organizers always work to ensure runner safety.

In 2020, the Marathon was canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor announced that large public gatherings were not allowed. Runners who had signed up could choose to run in a future year or get a refund.

In 2021, the marathon was held with some rules. Only vaccinated runners could participate in person. The Dunkin Kids Fun Run was canceled that year. Over 21,000 runners took part, either in person or virtually.

In 2023, a record-breaking 34,000 runners participated. This included all the races: the full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and children's race. In 2024, the marathon had 12,381 finishers. This was a new record for the full marathon race.

The Marathon Course

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

The course goes through the streets of 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. While there are some small hills, the course is considered very flat compared to other big marathons.

Information for Runners

The Philadelphia Marathon is a great race for runners. It uses a modern timing system. A small chip is attached to each runner's bib. This chip records when a runner crosses the start and finish lines. It also tracks their time at different points.

Health and Fitness Expo

Before the race, runners go to a free two-day expo. It's 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. The expo also features many health and fitness vendors.

Cheer Zones and Transportation

Spectators can choose from over 20 cheer zones. These zones are located all along the course. They are great places to cheer on the runners. If you are traveling to the race, be aware of road closures. Some detours start as early as 3 AM and last until 1 PM on race day.

Awards and Prizes

The Philadelphia Marathon offers cash prizes for top finishers.

• 1st Place: $10,000 for one male and one female winner.
• 2nd Place: $5,000 for one male and one female winner.
• 3rd Place: $2,500 for one male and one female winner.
• Masters Winner (over 40): $1,000 for one male and one female.
• Top Philadelphian: $1,000 for one male and one female. They must live in Philadelphia County.
• Wheelchair Winner: $1,000 for the first-place finisher.

There's also a $1,500 bonus for setting a new course record.

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

Other Races During Marathon Weekend

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

The Half Marathon was added in 2006. It takes runners through Philadelphia's most beautiful and historic areas. The course goes through Old City and Center City. It crosses the Schuylkill River and winds through Fairmount Park. The course is officially approved by USA Track & Field. Dietz & Watson is the main sponsor for this half marathon. Each runner gets a T-shirt, a finisher medal, and an online certificate.

Rothman 8K Race

The Rothman Orthopaedic company sponsors the 8-kilometer (about 5 miles) race. This race follows a shorter part of the marathon course. 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 Eco-Friendly

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

They started their eco-friendly efforts in 2007. They began recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, food, and even medals. Each year, they added more "going green" actions. They recycle pallets and partner with organizations to reuse old sneakers. They also work with the Streets Department to compost cups and other organic waste. "Waste Watchers Volunteers" help people sort their trash at the event.

The Philadelphia Marathon has received special awards for its green efforts. They earned a Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. This group recognizes events for being environmentally friendly. In 2014-2015, the Marathon achieved "Zero Waste." This means they diverted over 90% of their waste from landfills.

Some of their green actions include:

• Recycling heat sheets (the shiny blankets runners get).
• Collecting and donating warm-up clothes left by runners.
• Recycling runners' bags.
• Composting cups used at water stations.
• Melting down and recycling extra finisher medals.

Past Winners

Year	Men's time	Men's winner	Country	Women's time	Women's winner	Country	Non-binary time	Non-binary winner	Country
24 Nov, 2024	2:16:12	William Loevner	United States	2:32:42	Katie Florio	United States	Reed Williams	2:46:33	United States
19 Nov, 2023	2:14:26	Benard Kiptoo Koech	Kenya	2:30:53	Mercy Jerop Kwambai	Kenya	Kassian Eaton	2:35:38	United States
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

Race Sponsors

Many companies and organizations help support the Philadelphia Marathon. Their support helps make the event possible.

• In 2013, Gore-Tex became the main sponsor for three years.
• In 2017, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) became the main sponsor for the full marathon.
• Also in 2017, Dietz & Watson became the official sponsor for the half marathon.
• The Rothman Institute continued its sponsorship of the 8K event in 2017. They have supported the 8K for over 19 years.
• Dunkin' Donuts became the official sponsor for the Dunkin' Munchkins Run in 2017.
• In 2018, Garmin joined as a sponsor. They were named the official timer and running watch for the marathon that year.

Related Events

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