Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
The Philadelphia Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Philadelphia, United States. The course starts and finishes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art — the 'Rocky Steps'. The route passes Independence Hall, the Schuylkill River trail, and Boathouse Row. Mostly flat along the river with gentle undulations.
Philadelphia Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Philadelphia Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 22 November 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 198 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The Philadelphia Marathon is a city loop starting and finishing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, passing Independence Hall, the Schuylkill River trail, and Boathouse Row. The Schuylkill and riverfront sections are the easiest because they stay mostly flat and flowing, while the short rises toward the art museum and the urban rollers back to the finish are tougher; spectators are loudest at the Rocky Steps, around Independence Hall, and along Boathouse Row.
The Philadelphia Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 198 metres of climbing and 195 metres of descent, with a net climb of 3 metres from start to finish.
The Philadelphia Marathon uses open online registration at philadelphiamarathon.com, typically opening in March for the November race. The field of roughly 5,500 finishers fills on a first-come basis with tiered pricing — no qualifying time required. Charity bibs are available when general marathon registration closes.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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