Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia, USA · Third Sunday of November
One of the Northeast's best-value marathons starts and finishes on the famous Rocky Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The course loops out along the Schuylkill River on Kelly Drive — wide, flat, and exposed to westerly winds — swings through Manayunk's Victorian main street and the Wissahickon Valley, then returns to the museum. Cold mid-November mornings and a field full of BQ-chasers produce quick average times; the Manayunk hills at km 28–32 and river-section gusts are the main obstacles to a PR.
Course
Elevation gain
155 m
Net elevation
Flat
Finishers
~10,000
Month
November
Third Sunday of November
Race-day weather
Median start temp
4°C
Historical range
0–12°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Philadelphia in mid-to-late November is reliably cold — 15 years of race-day data show a median 7am start of 4°C with westerly winds along exposed Schuylkill River sections. Pack throwaway layers. Heat has never been a factor; wind on Kelly Drive is the main performance variable.
Getting in
Sells out fast. First-come, first-served; opens in spring for the November race and typically sells out within weeks to months. Charity and pace-team spots also available. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Philadelphia Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Philadelphia Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 155 m of total elevation gain and no net drop. We rate it 7/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Philadelphia Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 4°C, with a historical range of roughly 0–12°C. Philadelphia in mid-to-late November is reliably cold — 15 years of race-day data show a median 7am start of 4°C with westerly winds along exposed Schuylkill River sections. Pack throwaway layers. Heat has never been a factor; wind on Kelly Drive is the main performance variable.
How do you get into the Philadelphia Marathon?
Sells out fast. First-come, first-served; opens in spring for the November race and typically sells out within weeks to months. Charity and pace-team spots also available.
Is the Philadelphia Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Philadelphia Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.