How do I register for the Philadelphia Marathon?

Registration opens in mid-May and closes when spots are sold out, which typically happens by late summer or fall. Charity partnerships are also available if you want a guaranteed entry.

Is the Philadelphia Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the Philadelphia Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. The cool fall conditions and relatively flat course make it a popular choice for runners chasing a qualifying time.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is nearly net-neutral with modest total climbing. City streets are largely flat, but the Fairmount Park sections introduce rolling hills in the middle miles that require some pacing discipline.

What is the typical race-day weather?

Expect cool conditions, with average highs in the low 50s and lows near the upper 30s. There is an occasional chance of rain, but temperatures are generally favorable for fast running.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Philadelphia Marathon course is USATF certified, meaning qualifying times posted here are eligible for Boston Marathon submission and other certified-course requirements.

How large is the Philadelphia Marathon field?

The race draws a substantial field of finishers each year, making it one of the larger fall marathons in the northeastern United States.

Sat, Nov 21 · 2026Philadelphia, PASince 1994

Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon runs a near-neutral course through the city and Fairmount Park, offering cool November air and a genuine shot at a personal best.

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PHILADELPHIA · US

Philadelphia

SAT, NOV 21

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1994

Philadelphia is a quiet overachiever on the fall marathon calendar. The course starts downtown, runs through the city streets, and loops through Fairmount Park twice. The park sections are the honest part of this course. The roads roll there, nothing severe, but enough to remind you that you're not on a pancake-flat point-to-point. Be patient through those miles and don't let the early flat stretches talk you into banking too hard.

The weather usually cooperates. Mid-November in Philly typically means low 50s at the gun, which is about as good as it gets for marathon racing. Rain is possible, but temperatures rarely spike on you. Registration opens in mid-May and fills up, so don't sleep on it once the window opens. Charity spots are available if you miss the open wave. It's a Boston qualifier, straightforward to get into, and the conditions genuinely set you up to run well. If you're chasing a PR or a BQ, this one deserves a hard look.

Field size

~12k

12,381 finishers

BQ rate

8%

Near national average

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:13:28

Michael Chesire

2021

Women

2:28:34

Leslie Sexton

2021

The Course

651 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑651 ft

Total descent

↓641 ft

Net elevation

↑10 ft

Highest point

136 ft

Lowest point

7 ft

Course shape

Multi loop

Start and finish in one place

Philadelphia's course is nearly net-neutral, with modest cumulative gain spread across a multi-loop layout. The route is largely flat through the city streets, but Fairmount Park introduces rolling terrain in the middle miles that can drain legs if you go out too hard. The most significant climbing happens in the park sections, so conserve energy there rather than attacking them. The back half mirrors much of the front, meaning tired legs face familiar ground. Pacing discipline early is critical. Surfaces are predominantly paved road. Cool late-November temperatures typically support fast efforts, though wind on exposed stretches near the river can be a factor.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

37°F

High

52°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Late November in Philadelphia means a cold start. You'll be standing in the low-to-mid 30s at the gun, so plan on throwaway layers for the corral and don't skip the gloves. Once you're moving, the chill becomes manageable, and the low-50s midday ceiling keeps things comfortable through the back half. It's generally a favorable window for racing fast, but check the forecast close to race day. Philly in November can also bring wind and the occasional damp morning, either of which will make that exposed stretch feel harder than the temperature alone suggests.

Entry

OPEN

Registration opens mid-May and typically closes when sold out. Charity partnerships available for guaranteed entry. Open registration available when spots remain.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

PHL

7 mi

from the start

≈ 11 min transferOn the doorstep

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into PHL, about 7 miles from the start, right on the doorstep by rideshare or transit, roughly a 11-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Philadelphia, PA so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.