The Philadelphia Marathon is a favourite for many long-distance runners due to its flat and fast terrain that also showcases many historical sites and landmarks. The marathon originated in the 1920s and has taken place on the third Sunday of November since 1954. It draws over 30,000 runners from 42 countries and 60,000 spectators. Not to mention more than 3,000 volunteers welcoming the participants. The Philadelphia Marathon is one of the top 10 marathons in the United States.
The runners start and finish their marathon adventure on Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th Street and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The classical 26.2-mi (42.16-km) course covers an impressive number of historical sites, passing Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Liberty Bell Center, Penn’s Landing by the Delaware River. It goes along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive from Spring Garden Street to Fountain Green Drive, moving to the green alleys of the Fairmount Park on the Schuylkill River in West Philadelphia.
In addition to the marathon course, Philadelphia offers a half marathon race, an 8K race and a kids fun run. There is also the annual Health and Fitness Expo taking place in the Pennsylvania Convention Center where runners can pick up their number and shop for various athletic goods, products, and apparel. Marathon winners get a $10,000 cash prize.
