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Nov 9, 2024

Philadelphia Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.3

Organization 3.6

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 749 [displaying comments 41 to 51]

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B. C. from Florida (11/29/2014) "Great city, great course!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'll comment on this race from the online registration to post-race celebration. Online registration was simple and the price reasonable. I've done two other 'big city, major' marathons where the registration process was itself competitive. There was no need to refresh eight times and no reason to be sitting at the computer the moment registration opened. If you want a spot, you will get one. Approximately one week before before departing for Philly, the race organizers emailed out a simple set of pre-arrival instructions about the expo and what to expect as we got closer to race day. I went to the expo on Friday, and everything was calm and efficient. Although a bit underwhelming, the expo offered all of the supplies that a runner would need to make it through a full 26.2. Race merchandise was pretty decent. Getting to the start line was again simple; my hotel was 1/2 mile from the start. There is no need to arrive at 5:30am. I made it to the security checks around 6:10am and still had ample time to shiver in the cold and make it to the maroon corral. The course itself was fantastic. The first half flew by as you wind your way through the city. The hills at mile 8 and 10 were not nearly as bad as I thought they would be; the incline around mile 8 was long, but moderate, while the incline at mile 10 was steep. Crowd support in the first half was decent, with multiple pockets of cheer zones as well as areas of complete desolation. Making the left turn to start on the second half of the adventure, while the half-marathoners turned to the right towards the finish, was surprisingly a calming and motivating event for me. The crowds located at the bifurcation were great and inspiring. As I passed into the mid-teen miles, I kept thinking about how many continuous mild climbs and downhills were present on Kelly Drive. It appears as though the last 6.5 miles are definitely more uphill than down (remember this for race day)! Aid stations were plentiful, not crowded, and well stocked, however I finished in the low 2:50's, so I cannot comment on how they were as the vast majority of the runners passed through. The crowd support as I neared the 26 mile marker picked up in droves and propelled me to a strong finish. The post-race area is logically designed with foil, finisher's medal, water, and food all in proper order. Hot chicken broth served at the end before the family and post-race party area definitely warmed-up some runners. Overall, the Philly Marathon was a well-organized, amazing event. I achieved a massive PR and a BQ at this race and think that many other committed runners can do the same!
B. H. from Pennsylvania (11/27/2014) "Beautiful course, but CROWDED start" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 3 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have run this marathon 3 times (plus a fourth doing just the half). The comments are accurate: the first half is quite special, and a wonderful way to experience a big city. There are two hills, one at mile 8 and another at 9.5. They are not massive but you have to be mentally ready. The second half is an out and back, and while pretty along the river, mentally taxing in that you go right by the finish but have to head out for another 13.1. Miles 18-21 are harder than you might think from the race profile: rolling hills that tax you given the distance you have in your legs. The big issue you must be aware of his how massively crowded the start is. Philly lets the half and full runners go off at the same time. The roads simply cannot handle this. Period. I ran with the 3:25 pace group, and we were off pace by a full minute by mile 4. Not because we were having off days; because there was literally nowhere to go. Course jammed left, right, front, and back. Some people were running on sidewalks just to get more room. If you are trying to BQ, just think about that. You still have to run two big hills, a 4 mile stretch of rolling hills, and you have to make up a minute on top of it. If the half and full started separately, there would be plenty of room, but for whatever reason (road closures, I would suspect), Philly refuses. So, despite this, I recommend the marathon. Generally well run and a fair course on paper. But be very vigilant to be at the start of your corral, or risk being in the hole the first 4-6 miles until the course opens up.
L. H. from Boston (11/26/2014) "A must-do race!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Philly was my third marathon, and my first 'big' marathon. After a summer of injuries and having a training setback from a car accident, I was less than thrilled to be running this race. Just wasn't feeling it and was more looking forward to it being over. However, as soon as I crossed the starting line, everything changed. The fans were AMAZING! They had hilarious signs, would shout your name, and gave countless amount of high-fives. A highlight for me was having a beer with one of the Drexel frats. They were awesome. Although I was the least trained for this particular marathon, the first 13 miles went by in a blink of an eye because of the entertainment factor. It was hard not to smile the entire way. The second 13 miles were not as entertaining and there weren't as many spectator spots. Also, for the entire second half, you run on the left side of the street and eventually loop back on to the right side. This allowed me to see the winner run by (when he was around mile 24, which was around mile 14 for me). This was SUPER cool. I got to see all of the elite runners behind him, the first female, first wheelchair participant, etc. Of course, not every runner got to see this. For some slower runners, it might be discouraging when you are at mile 14 and there are thousands of runners on the other side of the road from you, about to finish the race. Something to consider. The course was very flat. I was shocked to get a personal best. However, with the combined full and half runners for the first 13 miles, it can get very crowded and I imagine frustrating if you are trying to run at a certain pace to hit your best time. I would recommend running the first 13 at a slower pace and picking up the pace for the second half when there is more space. Organization was awesome. I booked the sheraton hotel the day registration opened so I could be near the starting line. You are 'supposed' to be there at 530am but that is way too early, as the race starts at 7am. We all wore old sweatpants and sweatshirts to keep warm and tossed them to the side before 7- these clothes are later donated to homeless shelters. Tons of free snacks post-race. There are also free massages, but by the time you finish the full, the lines are long from all of the half-runners, so I wasn't able to get one. Overall, it was a fantastic day and I am SO happy I signed up for this one. Weather was ideal. I recommend it for anyone and everyone! It had definitely opened my eyes to how awesome bigger races can be. Oh, and the long sleeve shirts are straight swag. Very cool with the course outline on the back. It also says if it was a full or half, with 13.1 or 26.2 in bold letters.
J. F. from Syracuse, New York (11/25/2014) "Big City Race That Delivers" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 So many positive things to say about this event. I've run marathons both small (300 finishers) and now big (the 2014 Philly race had 10,300 finishers) and can speak to the good and bad. All results are from the perspective of the mid-pack runner (3:49 finish), your mileage may vary as they say. Pros: 1. Course was interesting and engaging, a nice mix of city neighborhoods, bridges, parks and a nice stretch along the Schuykill River as a break from the rest of it. 2. Big, tricked out finishers' medal. 3. Expo packed with vendors and merchandise options. I even got the chance to meet legendary 1970's Boston/NYC marathon winner Bill Rodgers and get my photo taken with him. 4. Well organized water/Gatorade stops at consistent intervals. Water and Gatorade in two different cups so to be easily identified. 5. Crowd support for most portions of the race. Friendly, enthusiastic spectators and volunteers. 6. Solid post race snacks big chewy pretzels with chicken broth to dip them in, along with juice and fruit and water. 7. Perfect and easy bag check/pick up. 8. Course was challenging but not excessively so. Good range of up and down elevation changes. Loved the bridge at mile 18-19 - a nice little detour. 9. Well organized, staggered start. The first half of the race was crowded due to the additional 18,000 or so half marathoners - but not to the point that I felt blocked in, except at tight turns and one water stop on a corner that got kind of bunched up. 10. An adequate amount of time to hit the porta potties before the start 45 minutes before we started, it was just a 5 minute wait. Fiftee minutes later, not so much, but they did advise folks to get there early for this exact reason. 11. The Rocky theme at the start. Got all goose-bumpedy. 12. Easy access to the start/finish area - I stayed with family and was able to get dropped off and picked up just a few short blocks from the start area. Cons: Tough, really, to think of any. The shirt design is fairly plain in the front (just a big slogan), but nice on the back side (showing a course map). I am too slow for Boston and have yet to be drawn in the NYC lottery. This race is, on the East Coast, the next best thing for those runners seeking the big city event.
Craig Grimes from Lee's Summit, MO (11/24/2014) "Fair course, great crowds" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I' m a slower runner (4:34 marathon yesterday), so I can comment from that perspective. The course has some hills (mile 9 sticks out), but relatively flat. The crowds were very enthusiastic. With your name on the bib, there were any number of strangers calling out my name as I ran by them. Expo was nothing special: for a race so big, I really expected better. For the race itself, they told people to arrive at 5:30am to get through security. I did, and there was no reason to get there that early. I got through security very easily and was stuck in the cold for almost 2 hoursbased on the wave start. I had never run in a race with 30,000 runners, so wasn't sure about how crowded the roads would be. They sent you out in waves, and that worked very well. I didn't think the roads were overly crowded. You do have a few stretches with fewer spectators; but I run in the dark at 3:30am, so that's no big deal. For the most part there were spectators cheering, together with great signs, offers of beer, kleenex and gummi bears. Got a high five from the Mayor, and thought it was a great experience overall. I'd certainly recommend this anyone. Philly does a great job putting on a major race.
J. S. from Quincy, IL (9/15/2014) "Challenging 2nd Half of Course" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The 2nd half of the course is tough physically and mentally. Being that this part of the course is an out and back dealt with me mentally because I was only going to be able to see my family and friends twice in the portion of the race and out and backs are boring. The impending hill towards the end of the race did not help either. Sure, it was great to run in Philadelphia. Philly is a city I'm familiar with and have many friends and family in the area. However, I had higher hopes for this race. The medal was simple, but great. It was big, gold and heavy. I loved it.
M. L. from Pennsylvania (12/5/2013) "They've made the half too large" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Philadelphia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Philly was my first marathon in 2009, so it holds a special place in my heart. I ran it again in 2011 and loved it. But they've expanded the field (specifically to accommodate more half-marathoners) and the roads of Philadelphia didn't expand with it. The first half was much too crowded. It used to thin out around mile 3 or 4, and it was packed up to 7 or 8 this year. I didn't mind dealing with added security, though it didn't seem like the waist-high fences would really keep out anyone bent on doing harm. Some volunteers didn't know where the entrance was - we were directed one way, only to be told to turn around. There either weren't enough porta-potties at the start, or they weren't in a place anyone could find them. The lines were crazy. I had to pee in a gutter, and I am a lady. I love the course - it's fairly flat in my book, without being painfully so. I like the out-and-back second half because I usually have friends running, and trying to spot them passes the time. It's not for everyone, though. There's great crowd support, especially in the first half and at the turnaround in Manayunk. Bottom line: I won't be doing this race or recommending it to others until they shrink the field to a more manageable size. (And if people keep paying to run it, why would they?)
P. O. from Nova Scotia, Canada (12/3/2013) "Looking for a Bigger Marathon..This is it" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My First Marathon had less than 300 runners so I was looking for a marathon with a lot of other runners and a lot more fan support and excitement. Philly didn't disappoint. Race kit pick up was quick and the expo was packed with lots of vendors. I was a little disappointed in the Philadelphia Marathon branded merchandise and only did the hat and T-Shirt. Start area had lots of space for runners to spread out before having to get into your corral. They recommended arriving at 5am because of increased security. Our hotel (and many others) was within a mile. We left our hotel at 5:45 am and had no line up at security to get into racing area and had lots of time to sit around and then be at the Front of the Corral. There were Long unorganized lines for the port a potties but it was still dark so lots of people found alternative spots. Despite 30,000 runners doing the half and full starting together, it was not as crazy as I thought it would be. Miles 3 - 7 are really fun especially around Drexel University and rest of Chestnut street. Fans were loud and crazy with awesome signs. The miles 8-11 near the Zoo had some inclines and one steeper than expected downhill portion too. Approaching the Half Point is mentally tough as the Half Marathoners peel away to their finish leaving you to regroup and focus on the out and back 2nd half mostly along the Schuylkill River. Crowds do thin out at this point for a while but there are bands and cheer areas with a number of supporters. Heck 26.2 miles would be a long way to have fans 2 or 3 deep the whole way. It is exciting to see the fast elite runners now on their home stretch but once it starts to thicken up with runners on the other side of the road heading back it reminds you that you still have a long way to go. A short over and back across Falls Bridge breaks up the river stretch and gets you ready for Main Street in Manayunk where the crowds get thicker and crazier again just when you need it. I was never so happy to see that pylon to run around at mile 20 knowing now I was on the way back. The last 6 miles are mostly gently rolling and give your aching legs some variety. Except for the last stretch before the finish, most of the last mile is slightly uphill but the end is close and the fans are back again and they are screaming your name to keep going..... pretty exciting. The medal was a serious medallion. Even the engraver I had put my name and time on was impressed. As a runner with lots of Halfs completed but who has only run one smaller full marathon before, I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a Bigger race. While downtown Philly is not a shopping Meca, it did have some great bars and restaurants to enjoy. Thanks Philly for my new PB
D. A. from Brownstown Twp, Michigan (11/30/2013) "Enjoyed the Experience" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Well organized at the Expo and Marathon. Fan support was Outstanding!!! The Announcer was fantastic! And the Mayor of Philly was at the race from the start to the finish. Very nice course with some hills, but challenging the last 6.5 miles because of it being a in and out course from that point. What a great way to tour the city by running it! Loved the finish because I wore a 'Rocky' shirt and the announcer and fans cheered as I raised my arms at the finish line. All aid stations stocked well and also at the finish line. I recommend running this one! Thanks City of Philadelphia:)
J. G. from Canada (11/27/2013) "Nice, but won't do it again" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Philadelphia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I agree with a lot of the positive comments, so I will just comment on what I specifically didn't like: - difficult to get to the starting line unless you like a long walk in the dark. No subway to the start. Taxi couldn't get close. Buses? It was awful. - huge line-ups for the porta-potties at the beginning. I held it, and like so many others, went in the bushes later on. - very congested for the first half given all the half-marathoners on the field. Why not have two start times? - second half: pretty, but insanely boring. Few spectators. Out-and-back means you get to look at the same dull scenery twice. Yes, if I went for a stroll, I would find the area nice, but if I wanted a country marathon I would have gone elsewhere. Philly should show off Philly, and not just run an out-and-back because it's convenient. This portion of the marathon was painfully dry. - hard to get away from the finish line. Again, I've just finished 26 miles, and now I have to walk for 1 - 2 more before I can catch a cab or subway??? Other large city marathons (e.g. Chicago) weren't like that - I walked 100 yards to a hotel and grabbed a cab in Chicago. - loot bag was basically junk. Not a big deal but it would have been a nice bonus to get something cool - photos - I actually only saw two photographers on the course, and there were only a few photos of me (both on the last half, with no scenes of Philly in them). I think that the first half of the course is so congested that there wasn't much point in having photographers bother. On top of that, the fee charged by the photography company for the few pictures they took is outrageous compared to other marathons. - overall, it was okay, but I wouldn't recommend it, and won't be going back.

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