Philadelphia Marathon

Next Race

November 22, 2026

228

days to go

The Philadelphia Marathon is one of the fastest marathon courses on the East Coast, with a largely flat profile that makes it a popular choice for Boston qualifiers and personal records. The scenic route passes Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the famous "Rocky Steps"), and runs along the Schuylkill River through Fairmount Park.

Est.

1994

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

70m

Elev. Loss

70m

Field Size

~11,000

When

November

Time Limit

THE COURSE

Gain

+70m

Loss

-70m

MI 0

KM 0

Art Museum Start

The race begins on Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. Runners head south into the historic district with the city skyline at their backs.

ELEV: 40ft

MI 0

KM 0

Art Museum Start

The race begins on Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. Runners head south into the historic district with the city skyline at their backs.

ELEV: 40ft

MI 4

KM 6.4

Independence Hall & Old City

The course passes through the birthplace of American independence, running past Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Penn's Landing along the Delaware River.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 4

KM 6.4

Independence Hall & Old City

The course passes through the birthplace of American independence, running past Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Penn's Landing along the Delaware River.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 9

KM 14.5

Manayunk Wall

The biggest climb of the course comes around mile 9 as runners ascend through the Manayunk neighborhood. This is the primary hill challenge on an otherwise fast, flat course.

ELEV: 130ft

MI 9

KM 14.5

Manayunk Wall

The biggest climb of the course comes around mile 9 as runners ascend through the Manayunk neighborhood. This is the primary hill challenge on an otherwise fast, flat course.

ELEV: 130ft

MI 18

KM 29

Schuylkill River Trail

The out-and-back section along the Schuylkill River provides flat, fast miles. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West River Drive offer tree-lined riverside running through Fairmount Park.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 18

KM 29

Schuylkill River Trail

The out-and-back section along the Schuylkill River provides flat, fast miles. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West River Drive offer tree-lined riverside running through Fairmount Park.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Rocky Steps Finish

The finish on Eakins Oval directly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art — the legendary "Rocky Steps" — is one of the most iconic finishes in American distance running.

ELEV: 40ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Rocky Steps Finish

The finish on Eakins Oval directly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art — the legendary "Rocky Steps" — is one of the most iconic finishes in American distance running.

ELEV: 40ft