The Philadelphia Marathon 2025 enters the final countdown with runners, spectators and the city itself gearing up for a weekend of action and adrenaline. Scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025, the full marathon kicks off at 7:00 a.m. ET, preceded by wheelchair athletes at 6:55 a.m. on the iconic start line at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The event spans Friday through Sunday and features the half-marathon, 8K and kid’s run across Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. The event is sold out and draws approximately 37,000 participants, including 17,000 registered for the full marathon.
Table of Contents
What to Expect This Weekend
The “Philadelphia Marathon 2025” weekend unfolds like this:
- Friday, Nov 21: Health & Fitness Expo opens at the Pennsylvania Convention Center — packet pickup, gear gathering and last-minute prep.
- Saturday, Nov 22: The half-marathon begins at 7:00 a.m. (wheelchairs at 6:55 a.m.), followed by the 8K at 11:00 a.m. (wheelchairs at 10:55 a.m.).
- Sunday, Nov 23: The full marathon begins at 7:00 a.m. (wheelchairs 6:55 a.m.) and the kid’s fun run takes place later that morning.
With registration closed and waitlists concluded, the weekend promises large crowds, high energy and a wide range of participants from elite competitors to first-time marathoners.
Route & Scenic Highlights
The core of the Philadelphia Marathon 2025 route begins at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and winds through some of the city’s most memorable areas. Running through Center City, Old City, University City and along the Schuylkill River waterfront, the course returns to finish near the Art Museum steps at Eakins Oval. Participants will traverse urban streets, lush parkland, and iconic landmarks in one seamless experience. The full marathon remains USATF certified and qualifies for the Boston Marathon.
Participant Numbers & Milestones
This edition marks a new milestone: the weekend expects approximately 37,000 athletes across all featured races. Of these:
- ~17,000 runners in the full marathon
- ~15,000 in the half-marathon
- ~5,000 in the 8K
Both the full marathon and half marathon sold out well in advance—among the earliest sell-outs in the event’s history. With carry-over participants and improved logistics, more runners are expected to cross the finish line than ever before.
Start Times & Important Deadlines
Here’s a quick-reference table for key start times:
| Race | Date | Wheelchairs Start | Runner/Walker Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Marathon | Sun, Nov 23 | 6:55 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. |
| Half Marathon | Sat, Nov 22 | 6:55 a.m. | 7:00 a.m. |
| 8K | Sat, Nov 22 | 10:55 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. |
Runners must be in their staging areas well ahead of gun time. Spectators and support teams should arrive early given early-morning road closures and transit detours.
Road Closures & City Access
With a city-wide footprint, the Philadelphia Marathon 2025 demands early preparation from drivers and transit users. The following apply:
- Key streets including the Parkway, Kelly Drive and ramps to I-676/I-76 will close by very early morning hours (as early as 2:00 a.m.).
- Bus routes and public transit lines are detoured; parking restrictions are enforced from Friday through Sunday across major zones.
- Large cheering structures (tables, tents) are only allowed in pre-approved cheer zones this year, though individual spectators are welcome along the entire route.
Residents and visitors should check for signs and allow extra travel time if driving.
Runner Preparation – Pre-Race Checklist
Arrive early. Getting on site by 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. gives time to go through bib pickup, gear drop, bag check and warm-up.
Know your start zone. Familiarize yourself with your corral/wave and plan which entrance you’ll use.
Dress for early-morning chill. The pre-dawn hours often bring colder temps; layers or throw-away clothes help until you warm up.
Route strategy. Study the map: the course is urban-to-parkland, with key turns and landmarks.
Hydration + fuel. With early gun time, eat and hydrate accordingly—don’t wait until last minute.
Recovery plan. Organize post-race meetup point, gear retrieval and transportation back to hotel or home.
Spectator Strategy – Best Viewing Tips
Choose your vantage spot early. Popular locations include:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the start and first mile
- Kelly Drive and the art museum finish zone
- Schuylkill River trail sections for riverside cheering
Arrive via transit or park outside restricted zones. Drop-off access near main streets may be blocked early.
Bring warm layers and plan for wait time. The early hours can feel chilly; blankets or chairs are helpful.
Track your runner. Use the official marathon app or runner-tracking portal for live updates, and coordinate meeting points after the finish.
Show your spirit. Massive crowds fuel the weekend vibe—noise, signs and cheers are encouraged.
Why This Edition Stands Out
The 2025 event is the 32nd edition of this major urban marathon. It features:
- Record registration speed—both full and half events sold out unusually early
- Largest expected field across all races (37,000 participants)
- Full weekend of events: health & fitness expo, multiple races, kid’s run
- Streamlined spectator policies and improved logistics for smoother race-day flow
The combination of historical surroundings, enthusiastic spectators and high participation levels makes this year’s race especially compelling.
Final Thoughts
As the Philadelphia Marathon 2025 nears, excitement is building across the city. Whether you’re running the full 26.2 miles, cheering from the sidelines or following along online, the weekend promises one of the most vibrant and organized race experiences of the year. Arrive early, know where you’re headed and soak in the energy.
Will you be running, walking or cheering this year? Share your plan in the comments and keep following for live race-day updates!