Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
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Philadelphia Marathon Weekend : November 20 to 22, 2026
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is a multi-race event held over three days that includes marathon, half marathon, an 8K and a children's run. The event uses USATF certified courses and the full marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The weekend features these distances:
- Marathon: 26.2 miles
- Half Marathon: 13.1 miles
- Rothman Orthopaedics 8K: 4.97 miles
- Nemours Children’s Health Kid’s Run: short, non-competitive distance at Eakins Oval
Course highlights cross Fairmount Park and follow the Schuylkill River. Marathon and half marathon routes run through University City, Manayunk and the historic district, ending near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The half marathon begins along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K follows Kelly Drive. Average temperatures for the 8K are noted around 54°F / 12°C.
The weekend also offers combined-event Challenges with predefined combinations of races, including Patriot, Independence, Liberty Bell and Freedom Challenge options. The event has grown since its first race in 1994, expanding from about 1,500 starters to more than 30,000 athletes on race weekend. Spectators commonly line the course.
For recent years some races have sold out and a waitlist has been used; waitlist entry required a credit card and was not charged until a slot became available. Bib transfers between individuals are not allowed and only official charity partners are authorized to distribute event bibs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
