Photo: © Philadelphia Marathon Weekend▶Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
Philadelphia, United StatesChoose the distanceTap a distance: the course, fees, times and rules below update for that race.
At a glance
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend 2026 takes place on 21 November 2026 – 22 November 2026 in Philadelphia, United States. Distances: 42.195 km, 21.098 km, 8 km. Start at 07:00 from Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Date
- Saturday, 21 November 2026 – Sunday, 22 November 2026
- Location
- Philadelphia, United States
- Start
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Finish
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Distances
- TIAA Philadelphia Marathon · 42.195 km · Competitive
- Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon · 21.098 km · Competitive
- Rothman Orthopaedics 8K · Competitive
- Start times
- TIAA Philadelphia Marathon 07:00 · Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon 07:00 · Rothman Orthopaedics 8K 11:00
- Registration
- Sold out
- Official website
- philadelphiamarathon.com ↗
Last updated: 18 October 2026
The race
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend takes place from 20 to 22 November 2026 and brings together more than 40,000 runners. On Saturday 21 November come the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon (7:00) and the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K (11:00); on Sunday 22 November the TIAA Philadelphia Marathon starts at 7:00 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The marathon holds World Athletics Label Road Race status and is listed on the World Athletics Calendar; all races are USATF-certified. The beautiful, fast and scenic course crosses the historic district, University City, Fairmount Park and Manayunk along the Schuylkill River, and finishes in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
No qualifying time is needed, but runners must hold a 16-minute-per-mile pace. The 2026 edition sold out in record time: entry is only possible through official charities, as bib transfers between individuals are not allowed.
Videos
Course
Start and finish
The marathon starts at 7:00 (wheelchairs at 6:55) at 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in the Museum District, and finishes in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The marathon course
- The streets of the historic district, past sights familiar to Franklin and Washington.
- University City and its cheering residents.
- Fairmount Park and the banks of the Schuylkill River.
- The Manayunk neighbourhood.
There are checkpoints at 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, halfway, 25K, 30K and 40K. Fluid stations and spectator areas line the course; energy gels are available past station 5 (about mile 10), at station 9 (about 17.7) and at station 14 (about 22.4).
Pacers
The Philadelphia Runner Pace Team runs free marathon groups from 2:50 to 5:30.
The half
It starts on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, crosses Old City and Center City, crosses the river into University City, climbs through Fairmount Park and returns along the river to the finish in front of the museum.
What's included
- Aid stations
- Pacers
- Chip timing
Rules and requirements
Who can take part
The races are open to everyone, with no qualifying times. Runners must, however, maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace throughout.
2026 registration
The marathon, half, 8K and combined challenges are sold out. Entry is only possible through official charities, which may have bibs for fundraisers.
Transfers and deferrals
- Bib transfers between individuals are not allowed: you cannot run with someone else's bib.
- Deferral to 2027 must be requested by 2 November 2026, with an administrative fee; you can only defer once.
- Refunds are only possible with protection bought at registration.
Bib pickup
At the expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (Hall F) on 20 and 21 November. There is no race-day pickup and no mailing. Marathon bibs can be collected Friday or Saturday, half bibs on Friday only.
Adaptive athletes
Athletes in the adaptive programme must self-propel and maintain the 16-minute-per-mile pace.
