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Philadelphia Marathon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Philadelphia Marathon
LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
DistanceMarathon
Primary sponsorAACR
Established1954
Course recordsMen: 2:13:28 (2021)
Kenya Mike Chesire
Women: 2:28:34 (2021)
Canada Leslie Sexton
Official sitePhiladelphia Marathon
Participants12,381 (2024)
11,438 (2023)

The Philadelphia Marathon (aka the Philadelphia Independence Marathon) is an annual marathon sporting event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November. The Philadelphia Marathon ranks among the top ten in the nation's largest marathons with over 10,000 finishers.[1] The marathon course is professionally certified at 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi) by the Road Running Technical Council of USA Track & Field.[2][3]

History

[edit]

The roots of the Philadelphia Marathon (aka the Philadelphia Independence Marathon and today known as the AACR Philadelphia Marathon) can be traced back to 1954, the race's unofficial inaugural year. The marathon then largely was a suburban event and went by many different names; the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon (1981–82) and the Fairmount Park Marathon (1988–89). The marathon today, was established under the name of the Philadelphia Marathon in 1994 under then Mayor Ed Rendell as an annual running event that took place entirely within the City of Philadelphia. The first race in 1994 had a little over 1,500 runners.[4]

This yearly event takes place on the 3rd Sunday in November or “the Sunday before Thanksgiving”. The Marathon is a top U.S. running event and top Boston qualifier with 30,000 runners participating in one or more of 7 featured events. Those events include, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Orthopaedic 8K and four challenges where runners compete in completing multiple race combinations over two days. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has over 60,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers who provide valuable race day support. Working along with volunteers from local schools, colleges and universities and the community actively participate to organize cheer zones, manage replenishment stations, monitor the course and provide support to help runners have their best possible runner experience while in the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection”.

As a major City event, the Marathon is produced by the City of Philadelphia, Managing Director's Office. In 1995, a group of dedicated runners and Dr. Peter Sharkey of the Rothman Institute, a top Philadelphia orthopedic practice[5], sponsored a smaller running event as part of the Sunday Marathon event. Now, 23 years and 3,000 runners later, the Rothman 8K is an integral part of Marathon Weekend. In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday line up by Janis Pierce, the City Representative at that time, and a runner, and in 2016 the race moved to a two-day event with the half marathon and 8K on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday.

In 2011, two competitors died, which were the first deaths to occur in the Philadelphia Marathon in over a decade.[6] The first was Jeffrey Lee, a 21-year-old Nursing and Wharton student attending the University of Pennsylvania. Having collapsed after crossing the finish line of an apparent heart attack, the cause of his death remains unknown. Although the cause of death was officially diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, after further examination of the autopsy, it was concluded that the diagnosis may not have been accurate since the size of his heart would have been normal for an athlete. Therefore, medical professionals believe his death may have been caused by an underlying heart condition, not a heart attack.[7] The second death was of Chris Gleason, a 40-year-old experienced triathlete from Clifton Park, NY. Gleason collapsed a quarter-mile from the finish line from heart attack.[8]

In 2020, the Marathon was cancelled after mayor Jim Kenney announced a moratorium on public gatherings of more than 50 people within the city of Philadelphia on July 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[9] Registrants were given the option of either transferring their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023, or obtaining a refund.[10]

In 2021, the marathon was held under a restrictions that only vaccinated runners may participate in all events and the Dunkin Kids Fun Run was cancelled.[11] The race had over 21,000 runners between in-person events and virtually.[12]

In 2023, a combined 34,000 runners participated in the race weekend, including the full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and children's race. This broke the record for the total number of participants.[4] This was also the first time in a decade that the marathon had completely sold out.[13]

In 2024, the marathon race had 12,381 finishers. This set a new record for the race, passing the previous peak of 11,641 set back in 2012.[14]

In 2025, the marathon sold out for the third year in a row. The race reached capacity much earlier than it had in the previous two years, with an announcement made on July 4.[15]

Course

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The course begins and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Philadelphia Marathon course is relatively flat and offers a view of many historical landmarks that include Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell.[16] The course travels the streets of Old City on Penn's Landing, parallel to the Delaware River, along the Schuylkill River and out to Manayunk.[16] The highest elevation in the course is approximately 148 feet.[17]

Runner information

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The event also serves as a qualifying race for entry into the Boston Marathon for participants whose times meet age group bracketed standards. The race also features a state of the art timing system, using a small chip that attached to the back of each runner's bib that provides a 'chip time' for when the person has crossed the start and finish lines, as well as giving a traditional 'gun time'.

Health and Fitness Expo - Runners pick up their race packets that include a race bib, timing tag, T-shirt and bag at the free two-day health and fitness expo located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.[16]

Cheer Zones – Spectators can select from more than 20 cheer zones throughout the course to show support to the runners.[18]

Transportation - Detours throughout parts of the city begin at 3AM and run until 1PM [18]

Awards

[edit]

Several cash prizes are awarded for the full marathon.[19]

  • 1st - $10,000 one male & one female (Course Record Bonus: $1,500, one male & one female for each)
  • 2nd - $5,000 one male & one female
  • 3rd - $2,500 one male & one female
  • 1st - Masters - $1,000 one male & one female
  • 1st - Philadelphian - $1,000 one male & one female (must be a resident of Philadelphia County, determined by ZIP code)
  • 1st - Wheelchair - $1,000

All marathon runners receive a Philadelphia Marathon T-shirt, a Finisher Medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).[20]

Other races

[edit]

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

[edit]

The Half Marathon was added to Race Weekend in 2006 and winds through Philadelphia's most scenic and historic neighborhoods. From the history-steeped streets of Old City, through one of the liveliest stretches of Center City, across the Schuylkill, up through the bucolic trails of Fairmount Park, and back down to canvas the banks of the river. The course is also sanctioned by USA Track & Field. Dietz and Watson is the current sponsor for the half-marathon portion of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend. Each runner receives a t-shirt, a finisher medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).[21]

Rothman 8K

[edit]

The Rothman Orthopaedic sponsors an 8-km (about 5 miles) companion race to the Philadelphia Marathon. This race follows a shorter loop of the marathon, starting off on the expansive Benjamin Franklin Parkway before taking a turn on the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River and Martin Luther King Drive or Kelly Drive. Each runner receives a T-shirt, a finisher medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).

Environmental impact

[edit]

The AACR Philadelphia Marathon collaborated with the Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement to turn the race into an eco-friendly sporting event.

In 2007, the Marathon's eco-friendly events began with recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, food and medals. Each year the “going green” efforts continued. Pallets were recycled, the Marathon partnered with the More Foundation by recycling sneakers to support families in Ghana, partnered with the Streets Department and began composting cups and organics and introduced the “Waste Watchers Volunteers” to facilitate on-site sorting. In 2012–2013, the Philadelphia Marathon received a Gold Certification from the Council of responsible Sport (ReSport) and organization that certifies special events for environmental sustainability and community engagement. In 2014-15 the Marathon received Green Certification along with achieving Zero Waste (over 90% diversion waste from landfill).

Some of the sustainable initiatives include:

  • Recycling heat sheets
  • Collecting and donating outer layers of warm up clothes
  • Recycling runners bags
  • Composting cups
  • Melting down and recycling excess runners medals [22]

Winners

[edit]
Year Men's time Men's winner Country Women's time Women's winner Country Non-binary time Non-binary winner Country
23 Nov, 2025 2:13:58 Melikhaya Frans BERJAYA South Africa 2:34:56 Anna Oeser BERJAYA United States Bryce Ott 3:20:15
24 Nov, 2024 2:16:12[23] William Loevner BERJAYA United States 2:32:42[23] Katie Florio BERJAYA United States Reed Williams 2:46:33 BERJAYA United States
19 Nov, 2023 2:14:26 Benard Kiptoo Koech BERJAYA Kenya 2:30:53 Mercy Jerop Kwambai BERJAYA Kenya Kassian Eaton 2:35:38[24] BERJAYA United States
20 Nov, 2022 2:14:20 Dominic Ondoro BERJAYA Kenya 2:31:35 Amber Zimmerman BERJAYA United States
21 Nov, 2021 2:13:28Michael ChesireBERJAYA Kenya 2:28:34Leslie SextonBERJAYA Canada
Not held 2020 due to COVID-19
24 Nov, 2019 2:16:31Deriba DegefaBERJAYA Ethiopia 2:32:49Feyne GemedaBERJAYA Ethiopia
18 Nov, 2018 2:14:47Tadesse DabiBERJAYA Ethiopia 2:32:53Serkalem Biset AbrhaBERJAYA Ethiopia
19 Nov, 2017 2:16:25Boniface KonginBERJAYA Kenya 2:38:14Sarah KiptooBERJAYA United States
20 Nov, 2016 2:15:53Jonathan CheruiyotBERJAYA Kenya 2:36:25Taylor WardBERJAYA United States
22 Nov, 2015 2:17:44Teklu DenekeBERJAYA Ethiopia 2:40:05Gisela OlaldeBERJAYA Mexico
23 Nov, 2014 2:17:28Dan VassalloBERJAYA United States 2:40:00Leonora PetrinaBERJAYA United States
17 Nov, 2013 2:17:28Abebe MekuriyaBERJAYA Ethiopia 2:39:06Irina AlexandrovaBERJAYA Russia
18 Nov, 2012 2:17:49Michael McKeemanBERJAYA United States 2:35:37Irina MashkantsevaBERJAYA Russia
20 Nov, 2011 2:19:16 Folisho TukoBERJAYA United States 2:35:46 Mariska KramerBERJAYA Netherlands
22 Nov, 2010 2:21:28 Daniel Vassallo (MA)BERJAYA United States 2:38:55 Mariska KramerBERJAYA Netherlands
22 Nov, 2009 2:17:15 John Crews (NC)BERJAYA United States 2:46:44 Jutta MerilainenBERJAYA Finland
23 Nov, 2008 2:19:57 Andriy ToptunBERJAYA Ukraine 2:44:02 Vera OvcharukBERJAYA Ukraine
18 Nov, 2007 2:25:01 Timothy PsitetBERJAYA Kenya 2:42:05 Kristin Price (NC)BERJAYA United States
19 Nov, 2006 2:17:09 Hosea KimutaiBERJAYA Kenya 2:40:31 Maryina BychkovaBERJAYA Russia
20 Nov, 2005 2:21:02 Joseph Ndiritu-2BERJAYA Kenya 2:43:07 Emily KroshusBERJAYA Canada
21 Nov, 2004 2:19:43 Michael Korir-2BERJAYA Kenya 2:41:57 Larisa MikhailovaBERJAYA Russia
23 Nov, 2003 2:16:47 Joseph NdirituBERJAYA Kenya 2:45:05 Seana Carmean (MA)BERJAYA United States
24 Nov, 2002 2:18:43 Michael KorirBERJAYA Kenya 2:39:47 Tatyana MaslovaBERJAYA Russia
18 Nov, 2001 2:21:07 Gennadiy TemnikovBERJAYA Russia 2:41:05 Elena PlastininaBERJAYA Ukraine
19 Nov, 2000 2:18:03 Brian Clas (NY)BERJAYA United States 2:41:56 Elvira KolpakovaBERJAYA Russia
21 Nov, 1999 2:25:46 Tesfaye BekeleBERJAYA Ethiopia 2:37:59 Anne Marie Lauck (NJ)BERJAYA United States
22 Nov, 1998 2:24:12 Ryan Grote (NJ)BERJAYA United States 2:44:59 Jan Wanklyn-2BERJAYA United States
23 Nov, 1997 2:19:03 Gavin Gaynor (PA)BERJAYA United States 2:41:35 Sarah HunterBERJAYA Canada
24 Nov, 1996 2:19:55 Nikolic SrbaBERJAYA Yugoslavia 2:50:01 Bea Marie Altieri (MD)BERJAYA United States
19 Nov, 1995 2:20:15 Mark Andrews (NC)BERJAYA United States 2:39:54 Jeanne Peterson (NY)BERJAYA United States
20 Nov, 1994 2:21:22 Charles Crabb (PA)BERJAYA United States 2:52:08 Jan Wanklyn (PA)BERJAYA United States
Not held 1990-93
1989 2:22Tim WunchBERJAYA United States
1988 2:32:23Fred Schneck (PA)BERJAYA United States
29 Nov, 1987 2:24:08Tim WunschBERJAYA United States 2:54:12 Lori LawsonBERJAYA United States
23 Nov, 1986 2:25:25 Ira Meyers (PA)BERJAYA United States 2:47:15 Doreen Mastalli (NY)BERJAYA United States
24 Nov, 1985 2:18:27a Derick Adamson-2BERJAYA Jamaica 2:38:30a Sandra MewettBERJAYA Bermuda
25 Nov, 1984 2:16:39a Derick AdamsonBERJAYA Jamaica 2:42:30a Barbara Filtuze (PA)BERJAYA United States
27 Nov, 1983 2:15:26a Sam Pelletier (ME)BERJAYA United States 2:36:38a Jane WelzelBERJAYA United States
28 Nov, 1982 2:14:59a William Scholl (NJ)BERJAYA United States 2:34:28a Jan Yerkes-2BERJAYA United States
29 Nov, 1981 2:17:25a Dave Patterson (PA)BERJAYA United States 2:39:11a Jan Yerkes (PA)BERJAYA United States
30 Nov, 1980 2:26:18 William DevoeBERJAYA United States 3:04:36 Pam BorowskyBERJAYA United States
25 Nov, 1979 2:30:06 Richard HaydenBERJAYA United States 3:05:21 Chris SchillingBERJAYA United States
26 Nov, 1978 2:22:38 Richard diSebastian-2BERJAYA United States 2:56:05 Carol GeigBERJAYA United States
1977 2:25:59 Richard diSebastianBERJAYA United States none
1976 2:24:59.6Dave PattersonBERJAYA United States
29 Nov, 1975 2:26:12Carlo Cherubino &
Larry Frederick		BERJAYA United States 3:04:44Nancy KentCornell
01 Dec, 1974 2:21:57 Bill Rodgers (MA)BERJAYA United States 3:25:33 Mary DevlinBERJAYA United States
25 Nov, 1973 2:29:44.4Bill BraggBERJAYA United States
26 Nov, 1972 2:27:29.5Rick BaykoBERJAYA United States
28 Nov, 1971 2:26:44.8Moses Mayfield-2BERJAYA United States
29 Nov, 1970 2:24:29 Moses MayfieldBERJAYA United States none
30 Nov, 1969 2:32:52.4 Leo DuartBERJAYA United States none
1968 2:36:35.6Jim McDonaghBERJAYA United States
03 Dec, 1967 2:24:23 Bill Clark (CA)BERJAYA United States none
18 Dec, 1966 2:24:43.4 Amby Burfoot (CT)BERJAYA United States 3:58:49 Sue MorseBERJAYA United States
26 Dec, 1965 2:34:07.6 Tom Osler (NJ)BERJAYA United States none
24 Jan, 1965 2:37:23 John Kelly (NY)BERJAYA United States none
19 Jan, 1964 2:20:05 Adolf Gruber-2BERJAYA Austria none
27 Jan, 1963 2:39:49 Adolf GruberBERJAYA Austria none
28 Jan, 1962 2:33:13.6 Ted Corbitt -4BERJAYA United States none
Not held 1960-1961
25 Jan, 1959 2:29:43 Ted Corbitt-3BERJAYA United States none
05 Jan, 1958 2:26:44 Ted Corbitt-2BERJAYA United States none
27 Jan, 1957 2:31:19 Jack Barry-2BERJAYA United States none
29 Jan, 1956 2:36:09 Jack Barry (PA)BERJAYA United States none
30 Jan, 1955 2:25:23 Johnny J KelleyBERJAYA United States none
31 Jan, 1954 2:36:06 Ted Corbitt (NY)BERJAYA United States none

Winners by Country

Number Country Last Time
64 United States 2024
9 Kenya 2021
7 Russia 2013
6 Ethiopia 2019
3 Ukraine 2008
3 Canada 2021
2 Netherlands 2011
2 Jamaica 1985
2 Austria 1964
1 Mexico 2015
1 Finland 2009
1 Yugoslavia 1996
1 Bermuda 1985

Winners by Continent

Number Continent Last Time
71 North America 2024
15 Africa 2021
9 Europe 2011
7 Asia 2013


Sponsors

[edit]

In 2013, Gore-Tex was announced to be the title sponsor for the next three years.[25]

In 2017, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) was announced to be the title sponsor for the next three years for the full marathon.[26]

In 2017, Dietz & Watson was announced to be the official sponsor for the half marathon.[27]

In 2017, the Rothman Institute agreed to continue its sponsorship of the 8K event. The Rothman Institute has been part of the Philadelphia Marathon for over 19 years, dating back to when Drs. Richard Rothman and Peter Sharkey began sponsoring the 8K as part of their community outreach efforts.[28]

In 2017, Dunkin' Donuts was announced to be the official sponsor for the Dunkin' Munchkins Run.[29]

In 2018, Garmin joined the team of sponsors for the Marathon, and was named the official timer and running watch for that year's marathon.[citation needed]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Rock, Brian (2024-01-17). "What Were the 25 Largest Marathons in the US in 2023?". Running with Rock. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  2. ↑ "2017 Philadelphia Marathon Course Map with Details". Certified Road Races.
  3. ↑ "To Philadelphia marathoners, medals are a 'badge of honor'". PhillyVoice. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  4. 1 2 "The City of Brotherly Love shines during the 30th annual AACR Philadelphia Marathon". WHYY. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  5. ↑ Hostutler, Mark (2025-06-30). "Rothman Orthopaedics Relocates South Philadelphia Office to Navy Yard". VISTA.Today. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  6. ↑ Gregory, Kia; Sapatkin, Don (November 21, 2011). "Philly runners' deaths point to dangers of extreme stress on the body". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  7. ↑ "Cause of student death in 2011 remains unknown".
  8. ↑ Cindy Boren (2011-11-21). "Runners who died in Philadelphia marathon are identified, but cause of death is not certain". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
  9. ↑ "Philadelphia issues moratorium on large public events through Feb. 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic". 14 July 2020.
  10. ↑ "Philadelphia Marathon Weekend". Retrieved 2020-03-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ↑ "Philadelphia Marathon requires runners to be vaccinated for 2021 race". 6abc Philadelphia. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  12. ↑ "Philadelphia Marathon Weekend: Thousands Of Runners Participate In Full Marathon On Sunday - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. 2021-11-21. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  13. ↑ Rock, Brian (2025-07-09). "The 2025 Philadelphia Marathon Is Sold Out, Earlier Than Ever". Running with Rock. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  14. ↑ Rock, Brian (2024-12-03). "The 2024 Philadelphia Marathon: Three Interesting Data Insights (Plus More)". Running with Rock. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  15. ↑ Rock, Brian (2025-07-09). "The 2025 Philadelphia Marathon Is Sold Out, Earlier Than Ever". Running with Rock. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  16. 1 2 3 "Philadelphia Marathon". Visit Philadelphia.
  17. ↑ "Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview." Clif Bar. N.p., 11 November 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. "Clif Bar & Company | Blog | Detail | Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview |". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2014-04-26.
  18. 1 2 "Guide to the 2013 Philadelphia Marathon". CBS Philly. 2013-11-14.
  19. ↑ "The Races | Philadelphia Marathon". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
  20. ↑ "AACR Marathon | Philadelphia Marathon Weekend". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  21. ↑ "Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon | Philadelphia Marathon Weekend". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  22. ↑ "Climate Setter Offset: The Philadelphia Marathon". Climate Action Reserve. N.p. 2013-05-13.[permanent dead link]
  23. 1 2 Fay, Laura (2024-11-25). "Katie Florio, William Loevner win 2024 Philadelphia Marathon elite races - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  24. ↑ Sharber, Cory (19 November 2023). "Thousands trot through the City of Brotherly Love for the 30th AACR Philadelphia Marathon". WHYY (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
  25. ↑ Tawa, Steve (October 3, 2013). "Gore-Tex Signs On as Title Sponsor for Philadelphia Marathon". CBS Philly. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Philadelphia Marathon Gets A New Title Partner". 2017-08-15. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  27. ↑ "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Dietz & Watson as Sponsor of the Half Marathon". PRWeb. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  28. ↑ "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Rothman Institute as Continued Sponsor of the 8K | Running USA". runningusa.org. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  29. ↑ "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Dunkin' Donuts as Sponsor of Munchkins Run". PRWeb. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
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39°57′53″N 75°10′46″W / 39.96477°N 75.17952°W / 39.96477; -75.17952

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