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2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

(Updated November 15, 2023)

Application Process & Registration FAQ's (General)

We are currently not offering a virtual race option for 2023.
In the event of a cancellation, all 2023 participants will be given the option to defer their registration to 2024 or donate their registration to AACR. No refunds will be given.
Yes. A limited number of packages are available for 2023. You can learn more on our VIP page.
No. There will not be a Corporate Challenge this year.
No. We will not be offering race packet mailing for 2023.
No. We will not be offering race packet mailing for 2023.

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has adopted the following age participation policies by event distance:

  • 16 and older for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon;
  • 14 and older for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon;
  • 12 and older for the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K;
  • (new!) 5 and older for the Nemours Children's Run

All youth race participants under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian's signed authorization on the official event application and waiver.

Be prepared to provide proof of age when picking up a minor's race packet.

There are no team relays in any of the events.
Yes. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is open to all competitors, with few restrictions. Please note that all participants must maintain a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the course.
Visit our deferral page. Please note there will be an administrative fee for deferrals. The deadline for deferrals is November 16.

You can confirm your registration by logging in to your registration page on Race Roster.

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events (AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedics 8K) are USATF sanctioned and course-certified.
While USATF has yet to sanction policies for non-binary athletes, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events recognizes its gender diverse community and is working with subject matter experts to ensure equal access and participation for all participants.
Long sleeve technical shirt, a finisher certificate (digital), chip timing and a finisher medal, post-race nutrition.
Estimated finishing times cannot be edited. If you need to change your time, please visit the corral change table at the Health & Fitness Expo on November 17 and 18.

Non-binary FAQ's

(Added September 12, 2023)

Race Roster is the official race registration platform for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. If you are a new user of Race Roster, first, you create a user profile where you can select your preferred gender category. Your user profile will automatically populate during our race registration processes.

For existing Race Roster users, please log in to your user profile and adjust your gender identity category in the profile settings. You must update the gender identity category in your profile settings BEFORE registering for our races; otherwise, a change will not occur.

Race weekend results display Men, Women, and Non-binary gender identity categories. Participants’ race results reflect the gender identity category selected at registration. If a participant has completed a previous Philadelphia Marathon Weekend race in a different gender identity category, past results do not auto-populate to the participant’s updated gender identity category. Please find all race results on the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend race results page

We have increased the number of all-gender facilities available at the marathon weekend. All-gender restrooms are available at the Health and Expo inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, at the finish line, and along the race course.

All-gender changing areas and the private lactation stations are at the finish line. These areas will be monitored throughout the race weekend by security, who have undergone sensitivity training to ensure they remain a safe space for all participants.

Participants will need confirmation of their bib number and a government-issued photo ID (a copy of a government-issued photo ID is sufficient) to pick up race materials at the Expo. 

We require a government-issued ID to verify the athlete’s name only and to ensure that the name on the athlete’s ID matches that on the athlete’s registration.

Someone else may pick up your race materials at the Expo as long as they confirm your bib number and a copy of your government-issued photo ID (a copy of a government-issued photo ID is sufficient).

Non-binary athletes applying for an elite field must submit a request by email to [email protected] with the subject: "Elite/Complimentary entry request.” Please visit the Elite Athletes page for more information.

The AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, and Rothman Orthopedics 8K have been updated to include non-binary time qualifiers for athletes to gain entry into the Sub-Elite First Corral
 
If a sub-elite qualifying time occurred at a previous Philadelphia Marathon Weekend event or an outside event, the athlete must submit their entry during registration. In an instance where an athlete has not had an opportunity to participate in a non-binary category yet, they can apply a prior time from a men’s and women’s category to the non-binary category if the time meets the non-binary time qualification, and only after updating the gender identity category to non-binary in the user profile on Race Roster race registration platform.  

The AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings and Championships currently do not offer a non-binary option for qualification but are keeping this under annual review and will continue to monitor runner data and growth to create meaningful competition.

For Elite Athletes: For 2023, the City of Philadelphia is following the policies of the national governing body USA Track and Field (USATF) which does not currently recognize a separate division for elite non-binary runners. The current policy will award prize money to elite non-binary athletes if they place in the top 5 in the men’s or women’s division. We recognize all winners by their identified gender. The City has instituted changes to improve gender inclusion in its registration and award recognition processes. The elite athlete field is by invitation or by application. To apply for an elite field, athletes must submit a request and qualifying times by email to [email protected] with the subject: "Elite/Complementary entry request."

The City of Philadelphia will launch a community engagement process in 2024 to consider potential Philadelphia-specific changes to future Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Races to insure our continued commitment to inclusion.

For Sub Elite Athletes: The AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, and Rothman Orthopedics 8K will award the top three (3) non-binary finishers in each age group and cash prize money for the top finisher in all gender categories for 1st Masters, division, 1st Philadelphia (Marathon Only) and Course Record(s) for all races. Participants must declare the gender division that they will race under upon registration.

For additional information about the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend's non-binary initiatives, please go to our non-binary participation page.

Race Day FAQ's

No. Race amenities provided along the course, including medical assistance, fluid replenishment stations and traffic safety concerns are based on the exact number of officially-entered competitors.

Any addition to this number by way of unregistered participants will adversely affect the races.

Unregistered participants will be removed from the course.

The start line for both the AACR Philadelphia Marathon and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon will be on the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just east of Eakins Oval.

Arrive early so you have time to go through security (all Entrances open at 5:00 a.m.)

Allow time to get to your designated entry checkpoint and time to wait in line.

All athletes should have bibs visible and fastened on the check front of their attire.

The start of the race will not be delayed due to lines at security checkpoints.

Be patient.

Please note: The start line will close after the last runner in the last corral crosses the timing mat.

Yes, there will be a post-race festival.
Philadelphia Runner will provide a pace team for 2023.

The pace times for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon are: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15 and 2:30.

The pace times for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon are 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00.

We will have water at all three events at the fluid/water stations.

In addition, we will have Nuun Lemon Lime Endurance at  the AACR Philadelphia Marathon and Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon.

For a list of fluid station/water station locations, go to the separate event page for race maps.

AACR Philadelphia Marathon

Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon

Rothman Orthopaedics 8K

Patriot Challenge

Independence Challenge

Liberty Bell Challenge

Freedom Challenge

Yes, we will have CLIF BLOKS energy chews at certain stations for the AACR Philadelphia Marathon (past mile 11, and before mile 18 and past mile 22).
Yes, we will have CLIF BLOKS energy chews right before the mile 8 water station for the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon.
The finish will be open for 7 hours for the full marathon.
The rule prohibiting headphones is no longer enforced by USATF; however, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon recommends you do not wear them during the race. Athletes' ability to hear and react to situations and directions given by race officials is very important. Your safety is always our topmost concern.

When it comes to costumes, we ask that you keep the safety of yourself and others in mind.

If your costume is questionable or offensive to others, we reserve the right to either have you change into something more appropriate or remove you from the event.

All costumes must also adhere to the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend’s security restrictions – no large backpacks or bags of any kind will be allowed on the course.

For the safety of both participants and spectators, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend discourages the use of action cameras while on the course. Selfie sticks are prohibited.
No. These items are all strictly prohibited from the race course.

Gear check is provided free of charge located on the southside of Eakins Oval.

Only clear bags (such as the runner bag we are providing) will be accepted at the gear check stations.

You are free to use any of the trucks at gear check (but be sure to write down the truck number on the back of your bib).

Be sure to affixed the event-issued gear check tag (top of bib tear-off strip) to your bag. Also be sure to enclose complete contact information inside your race bag in case we need to contact you on where you can pick up your bag after race weekend. The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is not responsible for any unclaimed, stolen, or lost items.
 
Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman Orthopaedics 8k:  5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

AACR Philadelphia Marathon:  5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All items discarded will be gathered and donated to the Salvation Army.

We want to apologize to those who crossed our finish line today but did not receive their well-deserved medal.

This year, we witnessed phenomenal weather, with record-breaking registration and an unprecedented number of day-of-race participants. Your enthusiasm and dedication have truly set a new benchmark for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.

However, with great numbers comes great responsibility, and we acknowledge that we fell short in ensuring every runner received a medal today. We understand the disappointment of not receiving a medal after your hard work- Please know that we are committed to rectifying this.

Here's our promise to you:

  • Every runner who missed out on a medal will receive one via mail.
  • We're using our participant data to ensure no one is missed.
  • As a token of our appreciation for your understanding, we'll be sending a discount code for next year's race to anyone affected.

Once again, we deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused and are dedicated to making this right for you. 

Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary day. We're already looking forward to seeing you at the starting line next year, stronger than ever! Keep running, keep inspiring!

 

Weather and Safety Alerts

While the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events will be held rain or shine, in the event of severe weather or other occurrences, information will be available. Sign up at http://www.phila.gov/ready

Expo FAQ's

No. We will not be offering race packet mailing for 2023.
Yes, Someone else may pick your bib as long as they have your bib number and a copy of your government-issued ID (a copy of the photo ID is sufficient).

We require a government-issued ID to verify the athlete’s name only, and to make sure that the name on the athlete’s ID matches that on the athlete’s registration
Yes.

Bring your new and gently used shoes to the packet pickup/health and fitness expo to donate to Ukrainian refugees.

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is pleased to partner with community recycling collect your new and gently used shoes.

Bring your new or gently used shoes (running, casual, dress, adult, kids) to the Packet Pickup/Health and Fitness Expo and donate them in the used shoe collection bin near the bib pick up area. Your used shoes will be kept out of our local landfills and shipped to Hungary and Poland to help with the Ukrainian refugee crisis.

For each bin of shoes collected a donation will be made to Students Run Philly Style.

Thank you for your support in helping the environment and those in need.

Travel Tips FAQ's

By Car: Philadelphia is conveniently located just 2 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C. Major access routes include I-95, I-76, I-476, along with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes.

By Rail: Amtrak operates from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia with service along the Northeast Corridor. 30th Street Station is just a few minutes cab ride from Center City.

By Air: Philadelphia International Airport is served by most major airlines. Several new discount air carriers provide affordable and convenient flights into Philadelphia. A cab ride from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City takes approximately 20 minutes. Or, take the SEPTA train departing the airport every 30 minutes with service to Center City.

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend will begin and end near our world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art at the head of the majestic Benjamin Franklin Parkway- right in front of those famous steps that Rocky sprinted up, inspiring countless imitators ever since. Start Line is located at 22nd and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
 
Center City is compact and very walkable. However, if your feet get tired, we encourage athletes and spectators to use public transportation on race day. Philadelphia's mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city. Several SEPTA buses (Nos. 7, 32, 38, 43, and 48) currently serve the Museum area.
 
Please check with SEPTA at (215) 580-7800 for information about schedules, drop-off and pick-up locations, and route detours.

If you're planning to do a lot of "running around" on race day, please ask SEPTA about the one-day State of Independence [Pass], which gives you ten (10) rides. 

Athletes and fans should be aware of street closures taking place throughout the city on Race Weekend.
No on-street parking is allowed along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, beginning on Saturday, November 20, but there are several parking lots and garages conveniently located in the area.

Below are several options. Call ahead as rates and availability may have changed.
  • 22nd & Walden Streets, SP+ Parking, (215) 568-4025
  • 222 North 20th Street, Standard Parking, (215) 448-1391
  • 1815 Cherry Street, Logan Square Parking, (215) 567-3744
  • 16th & Race Streets (Sheraton Hotel), Standard Parking, (215) 196-0293
  • 1815 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, (215) 568-8030 (Entrance on 1850 Cuthbert Street)
  • 1901 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, (215) 557-3821 (Entrance on 19th Street)
  • 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Windsor Suites, (215) 569-0899
  • 36 S. 19th Street, Central Parking System, (215) 561-1187
Here’s why we say that coming to the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend just may be the best time of your life: there is so much to do here.

Whether you are an athlete, art and music lover, history buff, outdoor adventurer, food and wine connoisseur, or a kid who just wants to have fun—or all of the above—there’s plenty of everything for all to enjoy.

If you're looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, remarkable museum collections, endless tax-free shopping on shoes and apparel, tours of Independence Hall, or vibrant nightspots, you'll find some terrific recommendations and information at the official visitor site for Greater Philadelphia, visitphilly.com.
 

Race Day Maps

Security/Entry Guidelines for the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Race 

(Saturday & Sunday):

Entrances:

  • 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway (north and south sides) (#E-1 and #E-2)
  • Event volunteers should enter on the north side of 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway (#E-2)
  • Pennsylvania Avenue @ Spring Garden Street (#E-3)
  • 24th Street & Park Towne Place (#E-4)
  • 25th Street & Kelly Drive (south side, Art Museum side only) (#E-5 and #E-5-A)
  • Spring Garden Street Bridge ramp (east bound) @ Eakins Oval (south side of the Oval) (#E-6)

(view start/finish map)

Our top priority has always been the safety & security of all event participants, spectators, volunteers and staff. Athletes will experience strict security measures.

On both race days, the race Start/Finish area between 22nd Street and 25th Street; Benjamin Franklin Parkway / Eakins Oval / Kelly Drive, will be a secure zone. Everyone (no exceptions) will be screened by security in order to enter the Start/Finish area.

  • Only athletes, event staff/vendors, athlete guides, wheelchair handlers and emergency personnel will be permitted to enter the secured zones at the start & finish areas prior to 8 a.m. NOTE: Spectators will NOT be permitted into the secure running area until 8:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Spectators may enter at any of the following gates: #E-1 & #E-2 (22nd & Benjamin Franklin Parkway), #E-3 (Pennsylvania Avenue at Spring Garden Street), #E-4 (24th Street & Park Towne Place), #E-5 & #E-5-A (25th Street & Kelly Drive) and #E-6 (Spring Garden Street Bridge ramp (east bound at Eakins Oval).  
  • Athletes should be prepared to show their race bib to security personnel.
  • Arrive early so you have time to get through security checkpoint entrances (Open at 5:00 a.m.).
  • Plan ahead, allowing enough time to get through designated entry checkpoints.
  • Before entering the security checkpoint, each runner should have their bib visible and fastened to the front of their attire.
  • All bags are subject to inspection.
  • You are allowed to bring sealed water bottles. If your bottle is not sealed, please ensure it is empty before entering security.
  • Only clear plastic participant bags will be accepted at Gear Check.
  • Athletes should arrive with the event-issued gear check tag (top of the bib, tear off strip) affixed to their bag.
  • Athletes should take care of personal needs and join your corral before the first wave starts.
  • Athletes will be permitted to enter the secure zone with a hydration vest. However, the bladders in the vest must be empty (no fluids permitted). The hydration vest must be carried into the venue, not worn. Since security must check the vest, the runner will have to step out of line and remove and/or empty the vest (away from the checkpoint entry point) and then re-enter the line in order to gain admittance to the secure zone. Please carry the empty vest through the security line. After being admitted to the secure zone, athletes will be able to fill the vest at the water station next to the entrance to the Painted Street, near the corrals.

NOTES:

The start of the race will not be delayed due to lines at the security checkpoints!

Athletes, event staff/vendors, and emergency personnel will be permitted to enter the secured zones at the start & finish areas. Spectators will not be permitted to enter the secured zone at any entrance prior to 8:00 AM.

All persons entering this venue will be screened via walk-through magnetometers, and/or by security agents equipped with hand-held magnetometers.

All items being carried into the venue will be thoroughly searched by security agents at each checkpoint. 

If you see anything suspicious, notify a law enforcement officer or call 911.

Sign up for free emergency alerts by texting RunPHL to 888-777, follow @PhilaOEM on Twitter or visit www.phila.gov/ready

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons and contraband of any kind (regardless of permitting). This will include firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc. NOTE: Right-to-Carry permits will not be honored and weapons will not be permitted into the venue.

  • Fireworks (includes flammable liquids, fuels or explosives)

  • Suitcases

  • Bulky items or packages larger than 12”x12”x6”

  • Unsealed containers (glass, aluminum or otherwise) are prohibited.

  • You are allowed to bring sealed water bottles. If your bottle is not sealed, please ensure it is empty before entering security.

  • Baby bottles are permitted.  NOTE: Other than baby bottles, NO glass containers of any size are permitted! 

  • Alcohol

  • Illegal drugs or illicit substances of any kind

  • Bicycles or scooters (bikes/scooters may be parked outside the venue, in the protected Bike Valet zone on River Field, 24th Street & south side of Eakins Oval – Checkpoint #4)

  • Facial costume masks of any kind (except religious headwear).

    NOTE: Persons entering the secured zone may wear a COVID prevention mask covering both their nose and mouth. Security personnel will NOT deny entry to persons wearing this mask.

  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS/Drones)

  • Selfie sticks

  • Props (includes flagpoles, military or fire gear, sporting equipment or other hard objects)

  • Coolers (hard sided; plastic, metal, etc.). NOTE: Soft sided coolers ARE PERMITTED! Must be hand searched at the entry gate.

  • Large umbrellas (i.e., Beach Umbrellas)

  • Animals or reptiles (Exception: ADA defined service animals (only dogs; refer to ADA fact sheet on our website) are permitted for spectators only. No animals are allowed on the race course(s))

Discouraged items

  • Large blankets, comforters or sleeping bags.

  • Backpacks, handbags or shoulder bags of any kind (clear plastic participant bags are permitted)

  • Action cameras

  • Athletes will be permitted to enter the secure zone with a hydration vest. However, the bladders in the vest must be empty (no fluids permitted). The hydration vest must be carried into the venue, not worn. Since security must check the vest, the runner will have to step out of line and remove and/or empty the vest (away from the checkpoint entry point) and then re-enter the line in order to gain admittance to the secure zone. Please carry the empty vest through the security line. After being admitted to the secure zone, athletes will be able to fill the vest at the water station next to the entrance to the Painted Street, near the corrals.

Weather and Safety Alerts

While the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events will be held rain or shine, in the event of severe weather or other occurrences, information will be available. Sign up at http://www.phila.gov/ready

About Philadelphia

One of the things that makes Philadelphia great is its unique neighborhoods. Information on tours and itineraries are available at www.visitphilly.com. For those who prefer to travel on their own, contact SEPTA, the city's public transportation system at (215) 580-7800 or check out schedules at www.septa.org.

Many hotels in Philadelphia offer special rates for the Race Weekend, but each has its own policies on check-in/check-out times. Please check with your hotel.

Philadelphia has some of the best dining in the world, where you can find everything from cheesesteaks to French gourmet. You can review information about many of Philadelphia's fine restaurants at www.visitphilly.com.

For Spectators, Press, Vendors and Shoppers

Spectators will NOT be permitted into the secure running area until 8:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Spectators may enter at any of the following gates: #E-1 & #E-2 (22nd & Benjamin Franklin Parkway), #E-3 (Pennsylvania Avenue at Spring Garden Street), #E-4 (24th Street & Park Towne Place), #E-5 & #E-5-A (25th Street & Kelly Drive) and #E-6 (Spring Garden Street Bridge ramp (east bound at Eakins Oval).
Yes. On race day, credentialed members of the press can visit the media tent at Eakins Oval to meet the winners. You are also welcome to download photos and press releases from the media page.
Please visit the expo section of our website for more information.
Your iTaB will be produced and posted to you 15 business days after the event.