Date
November 22, 2026
Field Size
Very Large (10,000 - 25,000)
PR Score
98.2 / 100
BQ Rate
7.7%
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Course is mostly flat with urban and park settings
PR Score of 98.17/100 showing strong conditions for fast running
BQ Rate of 7.7%, reflecting opportunities for qualifiers
Scenic views including Liberty Bell and Fairmount Park
Late November date provides cooler fall running conditions
Philadelphia Marathon is known for its cityscape views and mostly flat course. It offers runners a tour of Philadelphia's historic landmarks, including the famous Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The scenic route through Fairmount Park is a highlight, providing a mix of urban and green scenes, and with a late November date, participants experience the city in its fall splendor. While the course profile is largely flat, the BQ rate of 7.7% suggests that while fast, it isn't a guaranteed ticket to Boston. The PR Score of 98.17/100 indicates favorable conditions for personal records, but the large field size can make pacing challenging. The key is to remain consistent and avoid getting caught up in the early race excitement. Runners start downtown and are immediately immersed in the city's vibrancy. The course takes them past iconic sites, along the Schuylkill River, and through neighborhoods bustling with local spectators offering enthusiastic support. Fairmount Park offers a breath of fresh air before the final push back through the city streets to the finish. Philadelphia Marathon has a rich history dating back to 1954. With its large and diverse field, it draws both recreational runners and elite competitors, creating a vibrant race atmosphere. The city's support of the event is evident with numerous volunteers and spectators lining the course, making it a community event worth experiencing.
Philadelphia Marathon is an Emerging BQ venue — a legitimate qualifier for committed runners, though BQ rates are still building as the race grows. Historically, around 7.7% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The course profile rewards runners who execute a well-paced effort from the start.
Position yourself wisely at the start to avoid getting boxed in, as the large field can make a clean start tricky. Keep a conservative pace for the first half marathon, especially through the initial city miles, where adrenaline is high. Once you hit the river paths, settle into your target pace, taking advantage of the flat terrain. As you enter Fairmount Park, maintain focus and monitor your form. Prepare mentally for some rolling sections and stay fueled for the final push through the city back to the finish line.
The race starts and finishes near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, not far from the city center. The expo is typically held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, offering a wide array of vendors and race essentials. Bag check is available, conveniently located near the start, with easy access for spectators across various city points. The post-race area provides amenities for recovery and celebration.
Incorporate long runs on flat terrain to replicate race conditions
Practice pacing in crowded settings to simulate race day
Include speed work in your training to handle the fast sections
Prepare for late race fatigue with back-to-back long runs
Add specific sessions in October and November to build race-specific endurance
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
50.8°F / 42.7°F
Conditions
Rainy
Precipitation
0.48 in
Wind
12.9 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Cool (40–60°F), ideal racing conditions. Fall conditions are typically the most reliable for marathon efforts, with cool mornings that hold through the finish for most runners.
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Last reviewed:June 2026