Philadelphia Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Eddie D.
Winnetka, CA

  (11-24-2010)

"Early this year, way before I ran The Stadium to The Sea or The So-Cal Ragnar Relay, I had a plan to run The Philadelphia Marathon... call it a new years resolution! I told my wife Jasmine, a Philadelphia native, this was the only race I really cared about running in 2010. The goal was to make it not only a Marathon Trip but an opportunity to enjoy a week with our family on the east coast! Whether I was prepared for it or not, the Philly Marathon was going to be my first real attempt to qualify for Boston and I let everyone know! Truth be told, Philly was the only "A" race on my schedule. I ran the LA Marathon with some friends, I ran the So-Cal Ragnar Relay with friends, and recently paced a friend during the inaugural Rock n' Roll LA 1/2 Marathon. Though I hadn't really pushed my limits in any of these races I was seeing improvements in my running throughout the year. After a string of really good training runs I started thinking that my "Crazy BQ Idea" may not be so crazy after all! All good right?! Except this race almost didn't happen!

Though I made sure to register for the race early, I almost didn't get on a flight!! Almost down to the wire, family came through for Jasmine and I! We were set to leave on Saturday and I knew I wouldn't make the expo... that could be a problem, but... THANK YOU DAILY MILE! and THANK YOU MIKE! As a leap of faith I posted my situation on Daily Mile, asking for a HUGE favor. Mike, who was running his 2nd Philly Marathon came through for me and picked up my Race Packet at the expo! With that worry out of the way all that was left was to get to Philly! I was scheduled to arrive at 7PM Saturday Night but a full flight pushed us back to a later flight which was scheduled to arrive at 10PM. Not ideal the day before a Marathon but I was going to make it and that's all that mattered!

When I finally arrived in Philly the 1st thing on my agenda was meeting Mike to get my Bib and Race Packet. It was great meeting Mike, he's such a nice guy! I thanked him for helping me and wished him luck on his own race goals! Next on the agenda FOOD!! Since I arrived in Philadelphia so late I knew a true "Carbo Load" was out of the question so instead we headed to WAWA for some Turkey and Cheese Hoagies + Potato Salad! I also prepared for race morning picking up some bagels + peanut butter, Powerade and some peanut/almond granola bars! If my pre race dinner was a bit out of the ordinary my race day breakfast was going to be exactly what I eat before my long runs! Before bed I pinned on my bib and laid out my running gear! Now, I was ready!

Race Day Morning

I didn't get much sleep before the race, maybe 3 hours... kind of expected that! I woke up early and answered natures call. I got dressed and headed to the kitchen to eat my race day breakfast!

One of the biggest perks of running the Philly Marathon was that its so close to New York that my family could watch me run! Just before 5AM my parents arrived with my sister Lillian and her boyfriend Derrence. It was so great have them show up and I really wanted to have a good performance for them! Since I was staying with Jasmines grandmother in Mt. Laurel, NJ we didn't have a bad commute to the race, but still wanted to get there early, so we were out the door a little after 5:15. When we arrived the traffic wasn't horrible but there were long lines for parking. At about 6AM I decided to walk toward the starting line to find a Porta-John before the start. To my (pleasant) surprise they were extremely easy to find and there was no line whatsoever! When I was done is when I noticed the line forming so I guess I beat the rush! I once my family caught up with me it was on the way to the start!

While my family thought it was cold, I thought the weather was perfect at 40*! I wore a beanie and arm warmers at the start with the intention that I could take either off if I got too warm. I was in the Black Corral which was pretty close the the front. I talked to a fellow Mets fan in the corral who was running her first Marathon. We wished each other luck and pretty soon it was time for the race to start!

The Race

Miles 1-5:

When the gun went off the first runners were off! The Rocky Theme was blaring through the speakers and everyone was energized for a great race! With a wave start I crossed the start line 2 minutes after the first wave. This was my first time starting with a wave and I loved it immediately! It was nice running with people who were more or less at your level! The other perk, not much weaving around slower runners! Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against slower runners, but having corrals based on time just work better for everyone involved! These first 5 miles seemed to fly by quickly. I was warned that my Garmin wouldn't be very accurate for the 1st few miles because of the buildings Downtown. I just tried to focus on my "Perceived Effort" I really enjoyed this section of the course and it was nice running along Columbus Blvd. overlooking Jersey. There were a couple hills in the early portion but nothing too crazy. Also, knowing the second half would be flatter helped me mentally.

Miles 6-10:

Turning on to Chestnut Street the crowd energy was amazing! I know I probably high fived a few people and had several spectators call out my name as I was running (love having my name on my bib!) It was also great to run past the Frat Houses! Those guys were going wild and were hilarious while they were dancing and cheering on the runners! At this point I was passed the point where "going out too fast" was a concern and was settling into a good pace that I felt I could maintain, but also pick it up if I needed to. There were a few more hills heading toward and past the Philadelphia Zoo but it was also a really nice stretch! Conquering the mile 9 hill with ease gave me lots of confidence for the rest of the race!

Miles 11-15:

This stretch of the race ran by the river and then back across to the Art Museum by the halfway point. Not sure how everyone else felt but I loved that the race did this! My parents were there to watch me at the start and this made it easy for them since they didn't have to travel so far to see me along the course. When I heard my dad's signature whistle I turned and saw them! I stretched out my arms and let out a "Go Brooklyn!". I was though the half in 1:36:02 which was a new 1/2 Marathon PR for me. (I have not run a 1/2 since Surf City '09) I really felt good and very strong. During this stretch we passed Boathouse Row and Fairmont Park. I was really enjoying this course!

Miles 16-20

On this stretch of the race I came across Sam Felsenfeld who started Operation Jack. I had read a little about Operation Jack on Daily Mile and Runners World Forums but really didn't know the entire story. Talking to Sam was really inspiring! I won't go into the whole story but you can learn more about his amazing story and quest to run 61 Marathons to raise money for Train 4 Autism. I ran with Sam (who was wearing pink arm warmers) for about 2 miles or so. We chatted about Operation Jack, Marathons, and our goals for Philly. When we reached Falls Bridge Sam admitted he was fading a bit and said "This is where you leave me in the dust!" At that point I felt completely rejuvenated! This stretch heading into Manayunk was great; a wonderful area with great crowd support to top it off! Some runners seemed discouraged seeing other runners further along on the out and back portion, but to me this was just motivation for me to get there faster! The hills heading into Manayunk weren't too bad and were probably the last hills I would encounter on this course!

Miles 21-26.2:

Shortly after passing the 20 mile marker I was feeling great! I yelled out to some spectators only 10k to go!! I knew that barring a complete meltdown I would have a huge PR today! I knew I was on the fringe of a BQ time but actually miscalculated a bit. I estimated what I would need for 6 miles without considering the last .2. I was still right on pace for my more tangible goal of sub 3:15. I started my push! I have to absolutely RAVE about the crowd support on this CRITICAL stretch of the race. They were FANTASTIC! This is also where having your name in BIG BOLD LETTERS on your bib really helps! I heard numerous spectators shout "Looking Good Eddie" and "Running Strong Eddie" which really gave me the confidence to keep up that push. When I hit 4 miles I thought "4 miles!? I do that EASILY on the DAILY" Aside from a little calf soreness I was still feeling great with no sign of the Wall anywhere in sight; and with 5k to go this became a race to the finish!! I don't remember the exact moment but I remember hearing chants of "FAST EDDIE" as I ran by. I was picking off fading runners left and right at this point and had no intention of slowing down. doing the calculations I knew it was unlikely I'd get the BQ but I ran like it was still possible. Usually the final mile of a marathon drags a bit. You are so close that you are looking everywhere for either the 26 mile marker or the Finish line.. Well I must say this mile went by FAST. I couldn't believe it when I saw the finish line was the actual finish line and not the 26 mile marker. I glanced at the clock and saw that I would come in before 3:15 Gun Time which would put me under 3:13 chip time. I knew I was finishing strong in front of my family and gave an extra kick to the finish line raising my arms in "Victory!"

Finish Line and Post Race:

At the finish I saw my family hanging over the fence and immediately went over for hugs. Even before getting my finisher's medal! I loved that it was easy for my family to celebrate with me immediately following the race. Reading some race reports from previous years a lot of runners called the finish line "Disorganized" and didn't like that the families were allowed in the finish area. Well I have to question if these runners had family meet them at the race because to me this was PERFECT! I got my medal and blanket and kept it moving. My eyes lit up at the sight of Soft Philly Pretzels and I immediately made my way toward the food! Celebrating with my family was definitely the best part! This was the first time my parents have been able to see me run a Marathon and I "Made them proud" Having such support waiting for me at the finish definitely helped in the motivation department!










"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Natalie D.
Malvern, PA

  (04-04-2010)

"Every year they try to make this race better and I think they do a good job. Also, the swag seems to improve every year. In 2009 they put names on the bibs which was pretty cool and the shirts for the past 2 years have been pretty sweet along with the motto for the year's race. The course is decent - it's Philly, so if you run alot of Philly races it isn't anything new. It goes downtown, on Kelly Drive, through Manayunk (I think the best part) and finishes in front of the art museum. One thing I do not like is the half marathoners finish 1/2 way and marathoners have to see the finish and keep going.

As far as water stops, gu, gatorade - there are plenty of stops. Fans are pretty good, but don't compare to Boston or New York. The expo is organized and good."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

jenna s.
new york, NY

  (03-28-2010)

"I loved this race! It was well organized, had great swag (loved the long sleeve tech shirt and gloves) and had amazing crowd support. Plenty of drinks, GU, and post race food to go around (loved the broth!)A great racing experience."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

sneakersister .
Allentown, PA

  (12-07-2009)

"I really loved this race. Everything went very smoothly from picking up my race materials at the expo with no lines to stand in, except for the line to switch my corral which probably took 10-15 minutes. Expo itself seemed pretty small, I was expecting something a little larger.

On race day it was very easy to find the right UPS truck to drop off my bag and then slip into my correct corral. The race itself was great. There were a couple of mile marker signs that had blown in the wrong direction so I missed those splits. It would be a great idea if the RD would have the signs on something stiffer than posterboard and had them placed on each side of the road instead of just on one side.

A couple of the water stations were very narrow which made it really difficult when trying to run through the stop and people were stopping to drink their water. I ended up shoving more than a couple of people through the stops. The water stop in Fairmont Park was the worst.

The RD's decision to put our first names on our bibs turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I've heard from numerous people how the crowds shouting our names was so motivating and uplifting. It always made me smile whenever someone shouted out my name.

Finish chute was a bit of a mess with families closing in on us from both sides. Would help if this area remained gated off.

All in all I loved the course which helped me get my first BQ."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jocelyn S.
Leetsdale, PA

  (08-14-2009)

"This is the third year in a row that I did this marathon, being from Pittsburgh, it is a close race and I like to end the season with a marathon.
In 2009 the temperature reached a chilly 27 degrees making the water stops very icy. The spectacular volunteers braved the cold weather with enthusiasm screaming to everyone to be careful of the ice and tried to put rock salt down.

The race seems to be getting more organized every year because in 2007 the mile markers were way off and the half marathon course was confusing some of the marathoners. This didn't seem to be a problem in 2009.

The course is fairly flat with a few rolling hills and a long boring slight incline from mile 20-23 which really hurts, but is nice to turn around and come back into town at that point. The crowd is really fun in certain areas such as Broad street, around the universities, and throughout Manyunk, but this year wasn't as lively probably due to the cold weather.

Overall, I enjoy this marathon, and would recommend that if you don't like running in cold weather, you might want to skip this one. I probably would have given it 5 stars, but remember I am a loyal Steeler and Penguin fan, and can't give Philadelphia too much credit!! Just Kidding!!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Steve H.
Westminster, MD

  (07-02-2009)

"I ran the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 23, 2008, my ninth. Now that my legs are less sore, I can say that all in all, it was a good time. Philadelphia does a nice job organizing a race. The temperature at start time was right around 30 degrees and didn't get too much warmer by finish. By far the coldest marathon I've run.
The start was very easy to find, right by the Museum of Art on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Bag check was a breeze. They had a bunch of school buses lined up on either side of a park path, each manned with two or three volunteers. My only real complaint about the start was a lack of port o'johns. I got in line at 6:30 and got back out at 6:40 after the line failed to move more than a couple feet. I and a bunch of other guys ended up waiting to go until we got to the expressway bridge at mile two.
We took the Ben Franklin down towards the water, eventually making our way along the river on Columbia and over to Chestnut which we followed all the way up to Penn and Drexel. This part of the course was relatively flat and fast. The only dicey area was the brick paving in the South Street Area.
We made our way back to the Start/Finish line to drop off those running the half that day. The rest of us headed out of town for the turn around point in picturesque Manayunck. This was probably the toughest part of the course due to the brisk wind hitting us in the face.
The crowds along the entire route were awesome. People lined the city streets and cheered us on, many with their hands out to give a high five. That part is always fun, especially when it is kids. I also like looking for family members who show up throughout the course to cheer on a runner. This year, it was Karianne's family. I saw them probably at five or six different locations. Very cool.
You can also almost always be guaranteed an irate driver at a blocked intersection. This time, it was a gentleman by Drexel University. I don't know what he was screaming but he was not happy. The police officer standing post just smiled.
The shirt we received was cool, too. It had a course map on the back so every so often I would look at someone in front of me to figure out where we were on the course. Very helpful.
We finished right back by the start line. The food tent had soft preztels and hot soup. Awesome. The medal is pretty cool, too.
If you are so inclined, I highly recommend running Philadelphia. It is run almost as well as the Marine Corps but with a lot less people.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

DavyRockett .
Blankety blank blank, NJ

  (06-05-2009)

"Could have used more portapotties, crazy long lines on race morning at all of them. Also, could have used more gels at earlier stations. They only had a few people handing them out around mile 18. Bring your own nutrition."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Claire W.
New York, NY

  (06-02-2009)

"Flat, fast course. The last 5-ish miles (after leaving Manayunk) can get pretty lonely, but otherwise the fans are great - handing out snacks and beer!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

barbara S.
Los Altos Hills, CA

  (04-23-2009)

"Overall, a well organized event. It was here, though, that i started what has become a really bad race day tradition- not being at the starting line when i'm supposed to be! I was waiting in line at the port-a-potties- so they could use some more.

The course is generally flat. The first few miles wind through downtown- be really careful of curbs and drains as you go around corners- they can be hard to spot with all the crowds. Weather can be a bit unpredictable- sometimes its super cold this time of year.

When energy lags around mile 20, you're on Main St., in Manyunk. Tons of people and live music along the route to push you on.

Very scenic finish- from kelly drive to the art museum. There aren't many people along kelly drive after the east falls bridge- but the crowds in front of the art museum make up for it."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005