your guide to the philadelphia marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon is one of the most well-loved athletic events in the region. It has the reputation of being one of the top ten marathons in the United States. Whether you’re looking to race this year or simply want to attend to cheer the runners on, here’s everything you need to know about the Philly Marathon.

When is the Philly Marathon in 2022?

This year, races take place from Saturday, November 19 through Sunday, November 20, 2022. The main event is on Sunday, with other races and challenges available all weekend.

How Long is the Philadelphia Marathon?

The full marathon is the standard 26.2 miles (42.19 kilometers). 

The half marathon is 13.1 miles (21 kilometers). 

Philadelphia Marathon also has the option to run an 8-kilometer race (4.97 miles).

The course goes through beautiful, historic scenes and landmarks and is made of mostly flat terrain, making it the perfect marathon for those who prefer a fast and challenging course. 

Registration for Events

Are you looking to sign up for one of the several races and events? Below are the main attractions with information and sign-up details. 

• Registration dates: June 15, 2022, through August 14, 2022
• Price: Up to $130 (depending on the race you enter)
• Race dates: November 18-20, 2022
• How to register: Sign up here
• Special note: All participants must be fully vaccinated and show proof before entry (including children)

Find more details about each race below including start time and fees.

The Philadelphia Marathon 

The main event takes place on Sunday, November 20 starting at 7:00 am. It’s sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with a fundraising goal of $500,000 to go toward cancer research, education and advocacy. 

The cost per runner for the full marathon is $130.

Philadelphia Half Marathon

The Dietz and Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon starts at 7:00 am on Saturday, November 19, 2022. It covers over 13 miles of exciting course terrain beginning at Benjamin Franklin Parkway and ending in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

The half-marathon is a great option for anyone looking to reach their goal of one day running a full marathon. Test your limits, make new friends and experience Philly’s most iconic outdoor events of the year. 

The cost per runner for the half marathon is $120.

Orthopaedics 8K Race

The Rothman Orthopaedics 8K Run begins on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11:00 am. It’s just short of 5 miles and is perfect for walkers, joggers and runners of varying athletic abilities who want to enjoy a short (but challenging) race. 

The cost per runner for the 8K race is $45.

Kids Fun Runs

Enjoy the family-friendly activities at the Philly Marathon. Kids can run on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

All kids’ races are untimed and non-competitive. Children ages 5 through 12 can participate in short-distance races, half-mile and full mile with a chance to run on the AACR Philly Marathon course.

The cost per runner for the Kids Fun Runs is $15.

Other Philly Marathon Challenges 

There are plenty of other races and challenges to take part in on marathon weekend. Here are your options!

The Patriot Challenge: Race back-to-back starting with the Half Marathon and then moving into the Orthopaedics 8K race. To take part in both, you must finish the half marathon by 10:45 am. Registration is $140.

The Independence Challenge: Split your races between two days by taking part in the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday and proving your grit the next day in the Full Marathon. Registration is $150.

Liberty Bell Challenge: Enter to race the half marathon on Saturday then return for the full marathon on Sunday. Registration is $215.

Freedom Challenge: Do all three of the main events starting with the Half Marathon and Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday, then return to push past the finish line on Sunday with the Full Marathon. Registration is $265.

Marathon Training and Conditioning 

Running a marathon wouldn’t be possible without proper training! Get a head start and build your endurance with this Philadelphia Marathon training plan. Commit to training by yourself or find a training buddy to keep you on track. 

The Philly Marathon provides multiple weekend training plans you can choose from, depending on which race you want to run. View the different training options here.

If you prefer team support, join the Team Philly Race Training team. For a small annual fee, you can train with other runners who enter a wide variety of running events, including the Philly Marathon. 

Want to find other races, marathons and running events around Philadelphia? Check out our list of Best Running Events for Philadelphia Runners.

Philadelphia Marathon Course Map 

The Philadelphia Marathon course runs through some of the most beloved landmarks of the City of Brotherly Love, including:

• Fairmount Park 
• Schuylkill River
• University City 
• Manayunk 
• Historic district
• Philadelphia Art Museum 

There are hydration stations throughout the course and plenty of spots where friends, family and onlookers can cheer the racers on. Part of the fun is the encouraging atmosphere local supporters provide.

View the marathon course maps:

Full Marathon course map

Half Marathon course map

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K course map

Maps are subject to change, so refer to the official Philadelphia Marathon website to stay updated before the race. 

Where to See Philadelphia Marathon Results 

View the marathon results with runner times and prizes all the way back from 2010 to the most recent year. Results won’t be posted until the day of the race. 

Stay up to date on the marathon weekend by attending the event in-person or online. You can also follow the Philadelphia Marathon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Connect with Other Runners in Philadelphia

Whether you’re looking to start running for the first time or you’re a marathon veteran, training for these events is best done with other runners. To find runners’ groups, training partners and athletic friends in your area, download the eseo app today.