Wikipedia

Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon (aka the Philadelphia Independence Marathon) is an annual marathon sporting event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November. The Philadelphia Marathon ranks among the top ten in the nation's largest marathons with over 10,000 finishers.[1] The marathon course is professionally certified at 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi) by the Road Running Technical Council of USA Track & Field.[2][3]

Philadelphia Marathon
LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
DistanceMarathon
Primary sponsorAACR
Established1954
Course recordsMen: 2:13:28 (2021)
Kenya Mike Chesire
Women: 2:28:34 (2021)
Canada Leslie Sexton
Official sitePhiladelphia Marathon
Participants12,381 (2024)
11,438 (2023)

History

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The roots of the Philadelphia Marathon (aka the Philadelphia Independence Marathon and today known as the AACR Philadelphia Marathon) can be traced back to 1954, the race's unofficial inaugural year. The marathon then largely was a suburban event and went by many different names; the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon (1981–82) and the Fairmount Park Marathon (1988–89). The marathon today, was established under the name of the Philadelphia Marathon in 1994 under then Mayor Ed Rendell as an annual running event that took place entirely within the City of Philadelphia. The first race in 1994 had a little over 1,500 runners.[4]

This yearly event takes place on the 3rd Sunday in November or “the Sunday before Thanksgiving”. The Marathon is a top U.S. running event and top Boston qualifier with 30,000 runners participating in one or more of 7 featured events. Those events include, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Orthopaedic 8K and four challenges where runners compete in completing multiple race combinations over two days. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has over 60,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers who provide valuable race day support. Working along with volunteers from local schools, colleges and universities and the community actively participate to organize cheer zones, manage replenishment stations, monitor the course and provide support to help runners have their best possible runner experience while in the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection”.

As a major City event, the Marathon is produced by the City of Philadelphia, Managing Director's Office. In 1995, a group of dedicated runners and Dr. Peter Sharkey of the Rothman Institute, a top Philadelphia orthopedic practice, sponsored a smaller running event as part of the Sunday Marathon event. Now, 23 years and 3,000 runners later, the Rothman 8K is an integral part of Marathon Weekend and an enjoyable event for beginners or those who just want to run. It is also for some, a warm-up for the longer distances. In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday line up by Janis Pierce, the City Representative at that time, and a runner and in 2016 the race moved to a two day event with the half marathon and 8K on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday.

In 2011, two competitors died, which were the first deaths to occur in the Philadelphia Marathon in over a decade.[5] The first was Jeffrey Lee, a 21-year-old Nursing and Wharton student attending the University of Pennsylvania. Having collapsed after crossing the finish line of an apparent heart attack, the cause of his death actually remains unknown. Although the cause of death was officially diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, after further examination of the autopsy, it was concluded that the diagnosis may not have been accurate since the size of his heart would have been normal for an athlete. Therefore, medical professionals believe his death may have been caused by an underlying heart condition, not a heart attack.[6] The second death was of Chris Gleason, a 40-year-old experienced triathlete from Clifton Park, NY. Gleason collapsed a quarter-mile from the finish line from heart attack.[7]

In 2020, the Marathon was cancelled after mayor Jim Kenney announced a moratorium on public gatherings of more than 50 people within the city of Philadelphia on July 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] Registrants were given the option of either transferring their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023, or obtaining a refund.[9]

In 2021, the marathon was held under a restrictions that only vaccinated runners may participate in all events and the Dunkin Kids Fun Run was cancelled.[10] The race had over 21,000 runners between in-person events and virtually.[11]

In 2023, a combined 34,000 runners participated in the race weekend, including the full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and children's race. This broke the record for the total number of participants.[4]

In 2024, the marathon race had 12,381 finishers. This set a new record for the race, passing the previous peak of 11,641 set back in 2012.[12]

Course

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The course begins and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Philadelphia Marathon course is relatively flat and offers a view of many historical landmarks that include Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell.[13] The course travels the streets of Old City on Penn's Landing, parallel to the Delaware River, along the Schuylkill River and out to Manayunk.[13] The highest elevation in the course is approximately 148 feet.[14] The terrain presents many uphill and downhill challenges for the runners, though the course itself is very flat compared to other large scale marathons.[15]

Runner information

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The event also serves as a qualifying race for entry into the Boston Marathon for participants whose times meet age group bracketed standards. The race also features a state of the art timing system, using a small chip that attached to the back of each runner's bib that provides a 'chip time' for when the person has crossed the start and finish lines, as well as giving a traditional 'gun time'.

Health and Fitness Expo - Runners pick up their race packets that include a race bib, timing tag, T-shirt and bag at the free two-day health and fitness expo located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.[13]

Cheer Zones – Spectators can select from more than 20 cheer zones throughout the course to show support to the runners.[16]

Transportation - Detours throughout parts of the city begin at 3AM and run until 1PM [16]

Awards

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Several cash prizes are awarded for the full marathon.[17]

  • 1st - $10,000 one male & one female (Course Record Bonus: $1,500, one male & one female for each)
  • 2nd - $5,000 one male & one female
  • 3rd - $2,500 one male & one female
  • 1st - Masters - $1,000 one male & one female
  • 1st - Philadelphian - $1,000 one male & one female (must be a resident of Philadelphia County, determined by ZIP code)
  • 1st - Wheelchair - $1,000

All marathon runners receive a Philadelphia Marathon T-shirt, a Finisher Medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).[18]

Other races

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Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

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The Half Marathon was added to Race Weekend in 2006 and winds through Philadelphia's most scenic and historic neighborhoods. From the history-steeped streets of Old City, through one of the liveliest stretches of Center City, across the Schuylkill, up through the bucolic trails of Fairmount Park, and back down to canvas the banks of the river. The course is also sanctioned by USA Track & Field. Dietz and Watson is the current sponsor for the half-marathon portion of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend. Each runner receives a t-shirt, a finisher medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).[19]

Rothman 8K

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The Rothman Orthopaedic sponsors an 8-km (about 5 miles) companion race to the Philadelphia Marathon. This race follows a shorter loop of the marathon, starting off on the expansive Benjamin Franklin Parkway before taking a turn on the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River and Martin Luther King Drive or Kelly Drive. Each runner receives a T-shirt, a finisher medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).

Environmental impact

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The AACR Philadelphia Marathon, who collaborated with the Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement to turn the race into an eco-friendly sporting event.[20]

In 2007, the Marathon's eco-friendly events began with recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, food and medals. Each year the “going green” efforts continued. Pallets were recycled, the Marathon partnered with the More Foundation by recycling sneakers to support families in Ghana, partnered with the Streets Department and began composting cups and organics and introduced the “Waste Watchers Volunteers” to facilitate on-site sorting. In 2012-2013, the Philadelphia Marathon received a Gold Certification from the Council of responsible Sport (ReSport) and organization that certifies special events for environmental sustainability and community engagement. In 2014-15 the Marathon received Green Certification along with achieving Zero Waste (over 90% diversion waste from landfill).

Some of the sustainable initiatives include:

  • Recycling heat sheets
  • Collecting and donating outer layers of warm up clothes
  • Recycling runners bags
  • Composting cups
  • Melting down and recycling excess runners medals [20]

Winners

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Year Men's time Men's winner Country Women's time Women's winner Country Non-binary time Non-binary winner Country
24 Nov, 2024 2:16:12[21] William Loevner   United States 2:32:42[21] Katie Florio   United States Reed Williams 2:46:33   United States
19 Nov, 2023 2:14:26 Benard Kiptoo Koech   Kenya 2:30:53 Mercy Jerop Kwambai   Kenya Kassian Eaton 2:35:38[22]   United States
20 Nov, 2022 2:14:20 Dominic Ondoro   Kenya 2:31:35 Amber Zimmerman   United States
21 Nov, 2021 2:13:28 Michael Chesire   Kenya 2:28:34 Leslie Sexton   Canada
Not held 2020 due to COVID-19
24 Nov, 2019 2:16:31 Deriba Degefa   Ethiopia 2:32:49 Feyne Gemeda   Ethiopia
18 Nov, 2018 2:14:47 Tadesse Dabi   Ethiopia 2:32:53 Serkalem Biset Abrha   Ethiopia
19 Nov, 2017 2:16:25 Boniface Kongin   Kenya 2:38:14 Sarah Kiptoo   United States
20 Nov, 2016 2:15:53 Jonathan Cheruiyot   Kenya 2:36:25 Taylor Ward   United States
22 Nov, 2015 2:17:44 Teklu Deneke   Ethiopia 2:40:05 Gisela Olalde   Mexico
23 Nov, 2014 2:17:28 Dan Vassallo   United States 2:40:00 Leonora Petrina   United States
17 Nov, 2013 2:17:28 Abebe Mekuriya   Ethiopia 2:39:06 Irina Alexandrova   Russia
18 Nov, 2012 2:17:49 Michael McKeeman   United States 2:35:37 Irina Mashkantseva   Russia
20 Nov, 2011 2:19:16 Folisho Tuko   United States 2:35:46 Mariska Kramer   Netherlands
22 Nov, 2010 2:21:28 Daniel Vassallo (MA)   United States 2:38:55 Mariska Kramer   Netherlands
22 Nov, 2009 2:17:15 John Crews (NC)   United States 2:46:44 Jutta Merilainen   Finland
23 Nov, 2008 2:19:57 Andriy Toptun   Ukraine 2:44:02 Vera Ovcharuk   Ukraine
18 Nov, 2007 2:25:01 Timothy Psitet   Kenya 2:42:05 Kristin Price (NC)   United States
19 Nov, 2006 2:17:09 Hosea Kimutai   Kenya 2:40:31 Maryina Bychkova   Russia
20 Nov, 2005 2:21:02 Joseph Ndiritu-2   Kenya 2:43:07 Emily Kroshus   Canada
21 Nov, 2004 2:19:43 Michael Korir-2   Kenya 2:41:57 Larisa Mikhailova   Russia
23 Nov, 2003 2:16:47 Joseph Ndiritu   Kenya 2:45:05 Seana Carmean (MA)   United States
24 Nov, 2002 2:18:43 Michael Korir   Kenya 2:39:47 Tatyana Maslova   Russia
18 Nov, 2001 2:21:07 Gennadiy Temnikov   Russia 2:41:05 Elena Plastinina   Ukraine
19 Nov, 2000 2:18:03 Brian Clas (NY)   United States 2:41:56 Elvira Kolpakova   Russia
21 Nov, 1999 2:25:46 Tesfaye Bekele   Ethiopia 2:37:59 Anne Marie Lauck (NJ)   United States
22 Nov, 1998 2:24:12 Ryan Grote (NJ)   United States 2:44:59 Jan Wanklyn-2   United States
23 Nov, 1997 2:19:03 Gavin Gaynor (PA)   United States 2:41:35 Sarah Hunter   Canada
24 Nov, 1996 2:19:55 Nikolic Srba   Yugoslavia 2:50:01 Bea Marie Altieri (MD)   United States
19 Nov, 1995 2:20:15 Mark Andrews (NC)   United States 2:39:54 Jeanne Peterson (NY)   United States
20 Nov, 1994 2:21:22 Charles Crabb (PA)   United States 2:52:08 Jan Wanklyn (PA)   United States
Not held 1990-93
1989 2:22 Tim Wunch   United States
1988 2:32:23 Fred Schneck (PA)   United States
29 Nov, 1987 2:24:08 Tim Wunsch   United States 2:54:12 Lori Lawson   United States
23 Nov, 1986 2:25:25 Ira Meyers (PA)   United States 2:47:15 Doreen Mastalli (NY)   United States
24 Nov, 1985 2:18:27a Derick Adamson-2   Jamaica 2:38:30a Sandra Mewett   Bermuda
25 Nov, 1984 2:16:39a Derick Adamson   Jamaica 2:42:30a Barbara Filtuze (PA)   United States
27 Nov, 1983 2:15:26a Sam Pelletier (ME)   United States 2:36:38a Jane Welzel   United States
28 Nov, 1982 2:14:59a William Scholl (NJ)   United States 2:34:28a Jan Yerkes-2   United States
29 Nov, 1981 2:17:25a Dave Patterson (PA)   United States 2:39:11a Jan Yerkes (PA)   United States
30 Nov, 1980 2:26:18 William Devoe   United States 3:04:36 Pam Borowsky   United States
25 Nov, 1979 2:30:06 Richard Hayden   United States 3:05:21 Chris Schilling   United States
26 Nov, 1978 2:22:38 Richard diSebastian-2   United States 2:56:05 Carol Geig   United States
1977 2:25:59 Richard diSebastian   United States none
1976 2:24:59.6 Dave Patterson   United States
29 Nov, 1975 2:26:12 Carlo Cherubino &
Larry Frederick		   United States 3:04:44 Nancy Kent Cornell
01 Dec, 1974 2:21:57 Bill Rodgers (MA)   United States 3:25:33 Mary Devlin   United States
25 Nov, 1973 2:29:44.4 Bill Bragg   United States
26 Nov, 1972 2:27:29.5 Rick Bayko   United States
28 Nov, 1971 2:26:44.8 Moses Mayfield-2   United States
29 Nov, 1970 2:24:29 Moses Mayfield   United States none
30 Nov, 1969 2:32:52.4 Leo Duart   United States none
1968 2:36:35.6 Jim McDonagh   United States
03 Dec, 1967 2:24:23 Bill Clark (CA)   United States none
18 Dec, 1966 2:24:43.4 Amby Burfoot (CT)   United States 3:58:49 Sue Morse   United States
26 Dec, 1965 2:34:07.6 Tom Osler (NJ)   United States none
24 Jan, 1965 2:37:23 John Kelly (NY)   United States none
19 Jan, 1964 2:20:05 Adolf Gruber-2   Austria none
27 Jan, 1963 2:39:49 Adolf Gruber   Austria none
28 Jan, 1962 2:33:13.6 Ted Corbitt -4   United States none
Not held 1960-1961
25 Jan, 1959 2:29:43 Ted Corbitt-3   United States none
05 Jan, 1958 2:26:44 Ted Corbitt-2   United States none
27 Jan, 1957 2:31:19 Jack Barry-2   United States none
29 Jan, 1956 2:36:09 Jack Barry (PA)   United States none
30 Jan, 1955 2:25:23 Johnny J Kelley   United States none
31 Jan, 1954 2:36:06 Ted Corbitt (NY)   United States none

Winners by Country

Number Country Last Time
64 United States 2024
9 Kenya 2021
7 Russia 2013
6 Ethiopia 2019
3 Ukraine 2008
3 Canada 2021
2 Netherlands 2011
2 Jamaica 1985
2 Austria 1964
1 Mexico 2015
1 Finland 2009
1 Yugoslavia 1996
1 Bermuda 1985

Winners by Continent

Number Continent Last Time
71 North America 2024
15 Africa 2021
9 Europe 2011
7 Asia 2013


Sponsors

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In 2013, Gore-Tex was announced to be the title sponsor for the next three years.[23]

In 2017, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) was announced to be the title sponsor for the next three years for the full marathon.[24]

In 2017, Dietz & Watson was announced to be the official sponsor for the half marathon.[25]

In 2017, the Rothman Institute agreed to continue its sponsorship of the 8K event. The Rothman Institute has been part of the Philadelphia Marathon for over 19 years, dating back to when Drs. Richard Rothman and Peter Sharkey began sponsoring the 8K as part of their community outreach efforts.[26]

In 2017, Dunkin' Donuts was announced to be the official sponsor for the Dunkin' Munchkins Run.[27]

In 2018, Garmin joined the team of sponsors for the Marathon, and was named the official timer and running watch for that year's marathon.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rock, Brian (2024-01-17). "What Were the 25 Largest Marathons in the US in 2023?". Running with Rock. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  2. ^ "2017 Philadelphia Marathon Course Map with Details". Certified Road Races.
  3. ^ "To Philadelphia marathoners, medals are a 'badge of honor'". PhillyVoice. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  4. ^ a b "The City of Brotherly Love shines during the 30th annual AACR Philadelphia Marathon". WHYY. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
  5. ^ Gregory, Kia; Sapatkin, Don (November 21, 2011). "Philly runners' deaths point to dangers of extreme stress on the body". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  6. ^ "Cause of student death in 2011 remains unknown".
  7. ^ Cindy Boren (2011-11-21). "Runners who died in Philadelphia marathon are identified, but cause of death is not certain". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
  8. ^ "Philadelphia issues moratorium on large public events through Feb. 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic". 14 July 2020.
  9. ^ "Philadelphia Marathon Weekend". Archived from the original on 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  10. ^ "Philadelphia Marathon requires runners to be vaccinated for 2021 race". 6abc Philadelphia. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  11. ^ "Philadelphia Marathon Weekend: Thousands Of Runners Participate In Full Marathon On Sunday - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. 2021-11-21. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  12. ^ Rock, Brian (2024-12-03). "The 2024 Philadelphia Marathon: Three Interesting Data Insights (Plus More)". Running with Rock. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  13. ^ a b c "Philadelphia Marathon". Visit Philadelphia.
  14. ^ "Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview." Clif Bar. N.p., 11 November 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. "Clif Bar & Company | Blog | Detail | Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview |". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2014-04-26.
  15. ^ "Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview." Clif Bar. N.p., 11 November 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. "Clif Bar & Company | Blog | Detail | Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview |". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2014-04-26.
  16. ^ a b "Guide to the 2013 Philadelphia Marathon". CBS Philly. 2013-11-14.
  17. ^ "The Races | Philadelphia Marathon". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
  18. ^ "AACR Marathon | Philadelphia Marathon Weekend". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  19. ^ "Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon | Philadelphia Marathon Weekend". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  20. ^ a b "Climate Setter Offset: The Philadelphia Marathon". Climate Action Reserve. N.p. 2013-05-13.[permanent dead link‍]
  21. ^ a b Fay, Laura (2024-11-25). "Katie Florio, William Loevner win 2024 Philadelphia Marathon elite races - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  22. ^ Sharber, Cory (19 November 2023). "Thousands trot through the City of Brotherly Love for the 30th AACR Philadelphia Marathon". WHYY (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
  23. ^ Tawa, Steve (October 3, 2013). "Gore-Tex Signs On as Title Sponsor for Philadelphia Marathon". CBS Philly. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  24. ^ "Philadelphia Marathon Gets A New Title Partner". 2017-08-15. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  25. ^ "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Dietz & Watson as Sponsor of the Half Marathon". PRWeb. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  26. ^ "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Rothman Institute as Continued Sponsor of the 8K | Running USA". runningusa.org. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  27. ^ "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Dunkin' Donuts as Sponsor of Munchkins Run". PRWeb. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
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39°57′53″N 75°10′46″W / 39.96477°N 75.17952°W / 39.96477; -75.17952

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