Philadelphia Marathon

The Philadelphia Marathon (aka the Philadelphia Independence Marathon) is an annual marathon sporting event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November each year since 1954. The Philadelphia Marathon ranks among the top ten in the nation's largest marathons with over 30,000 runners, 60,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers.[1] The 30,000 runners come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and over 42 countries.[2] The marathon course is professionally certified at 42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi) by the Road Running Technical Council of USA Track & Field.[3] Leo Dignam is the current executive director of the Philadelphia Marathon.[4]

Philadelphia Marathon
LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
DistanceMarathon
Primary sponsorAACR
Established1954
Course recordsMen: 2:14:47 (2018)
Tadesse Dabi
Women: 2:32:49 (2019)
Feyne Gemeda
Official sitePhiladelphia Marathon
Participants10,054 (2019)
9,529 (2018)

History

The roots of the AACR Philadelphia Marathon (aka the Philadelphia Independence Marathon) can be traced back to 1954, the race's unofficial inaugural year. The marathon then largely was a suburban event and went by many different names; the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon (1981–82) and the Fairmount Park Marathon (1988–89). The marathon today, was established under the name of the Philadelphia Marathon in 1994 under then Mayor Ed Rendell as an annual running event that took place entirely within the City of Philadelphia.

This yearly event takes place on the 3rd Sunday in November or “the Sunday before Thanksgiving”. The Marathon is a top U.S. running event and top Boston qualifier with 30,000 runners participating in one or more of 5 featured events. During Marathon Weekend over 60,000 spectators and over 3,000 volunteers provide valuable race day support. Working along with volunteers from local schools, colleges and universities and the community actively participate to organize cheer zones, manage replenishment stations, monitor the course and provide support to help runners have their best possible runner experience while in the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection”.

As a major City event, the Marathon was produced by the Office of the City Representative. In 1995,a group of dedicated runners and Dr. Peter Sharkey of the Rothman Institute, a top Philadelphia orthopedic practice, sponsored a smaller running event as part of the Sunday Marathon event. Now, 23 years and 3,000 runners later, the Rothman 8K is an integral part of Marathon Weekend and an enjoyable event for beginners or those who just want to run. It is also for some, a warm-up for the longer distances. In 2006, a half marathon was added to the Sunday line up by Janis Pierce, the City Representative at that time, and a runner.

In 2011, two competitors died, which were the first deaths to occur in the Philadelphia Marathon in over a decade.[5] The first was Jeffrey Lee, a 21-year-old Nursing and Wharton student attending the University of Pennsylvania. Having collasped after crossing the finish line of an apparent heart attack, the cause of his death actually remains unknown. Although the cause of death was officially diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, after further examination of the autopsy, it was concluded that the diagnosis may not have been accurate since the size of his heart would have been normal for an athlete. Therefore, medical professionals believe his death may have been caused by an underlying heart condition, not a heart attack. [6] The second death was of Chris Gleason, a 40-year-old experienced triathlete from Clifton Park, NY. Gleason collapsed a quarter-mile from the finish line from heart attack. [7]

In 2013, Gore-Tex was announced to be the title sponsor for the next three years.[8]

In 2017, American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) was announced to be the title sponsor for the next three years for the full marathon.[9]

In 2017, Dietz & Watson was announced to be the official sponsor for the half marathon.[10]

In 2017, the Rothman Institute agreed to continue its sponsorship of the 8K event. The Rothman Institute has been part of the Philadelphia Marathon for over 19 years, dating back to when Drs. Richard Rothman and Peter Sharkey began sponsoring the 8K as part of their community outreach efforts.[11]

In 2017, Dunkin' Donuts was announced to be the official sponsor for the Dunkin' Munchkins Run.[12]

In 2018, Garmin joined the team of sponsors for the Marathon, and was named the official timer and running watch for that year's marathon. [13]

In 2020, the Marathon was cancelled after mayor Jim Kenney announced a moratorium on public gatherings of more than 50 people within the city of Philadelphia on July 14th due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[14] Registrants were given the option of either transferring their entry to 2021, 2022, or 2023, or obtaining a refund.[15]

Course

The course begins and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Philadelphia Marathon course is relatively flat and offers a view of many historical landmarks that include Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell.[16] The course travels the streets of Old City on Penn's Landing, parallel to the Delaware River, along the Schuylkill River and out to Manayunk.[17] The highest elevation in the course is approximately 148 feet.[18] The terrain presents many uphill and downhill challenges for the runners, though the course itself is very flat compared to other large scale marathons.[19]

Runner information

The event also serves as a qualifying race for entry into the Boston Marathon for participants whose times meet age group bracketed standards. The race also features a state of the art timing system, using a small chip that attached to the back of each runner's bib that provides a 'chip time' for when the person has crossed the start and finish lines, as well as giving a traditional 'gun time'.

Health and Fitness Expo - Runners pick up their race packets that include a race bib, timing tag, T-shirt and bag at the free two-day health and fitness expo located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.[20]

Cheer Zones – Spectators can select from more than 20 cheer zones throughout the course to show support to the runners.[21]

Transportation - Detours throughout parts of the city begin at 3AM and run until 1PM [22]

Awards

Several cash prizes are awarded for the full marathon.[23]

  • 1st - $10,000 one male & one female (Course Record Bonus: $1,500, one male & one female for each)
  • 2nd - $5,000 one male & one female
  • 3rd - $2,500 one male & one female
  • 1st - Masters - $1,000 one male & one female
  • 1st - Philadelphian - $1,000 one male & one female (must be a resident of Philadelphia County, determined by ZIP code)
  • 1st - Wheelchair - $1,000

All marathon runners receive a Philadelphia Marathon T-shirt, a Finisher Medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).[24]

Other races

Dietz & Watson Half Marathon

The Half Marathon was added to Race Weekend in 2006 and winds through Philadelphia's most scenic and historic neighborhoods. From the history-steeped streets of Old City, through one of the liveliest stretches of Center City, across the Schuylkill, up through the bucolic trails of Fairmount Park, and back down to canvas the banks of the river. The course is also sanctioned by USA Track & Field. Dietz and Watson is the current sponsor for the half-marathon portion of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend. Each runner receives a t-shirt, a finisher medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).[25]

Rothman 8K

The Rothman Institute sponsors an 8-km (about 5 miles) companion race to the Philadelphia Marathon. This race follows a shorter loop of the marathon, starting off on the expansive Benjamin Franklin Parkway before taking a turn on the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River and Martin Luther King Drive. Each runner receives a T-shirt, a finisher medal and a finisher certificate (available online after the race).

Environmental impact

The Philadelphia Marathon, who collaborated with Green Mountain Energy partnered with the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and the Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement to turn the race into an eco-friendly sporting event.[26]

In 2007, the Marathon's eco-friendly events began with recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, food and medals. Each year the “going green” efforts continued. Pallets were recycled, the Marathon partnered with the More Foundation by recycling sneakers to support families in Ghana, partnered with the Streets Department and began composting cups and organics and introduced the “Waste Watchers Volunteers” to facilitate on-site sorting. In 2012-2013, the Philadelphia Marathon received a Gold Certification from the Council of responsible Sport (ReSport) and organization that certifies special events for environmental sustainability and community engagement. In 2014-15 the Marathon received Green Certification along with achieving Zero Waste (over 90% diversion waste from landfill).

Some of the sustainable initiatives include:

  • Recycling heat sheets
  • Collecting and donating outer layers of warm up clothes
  • Recycling runners bags
  • Composting cups
  • Melting down and recycling excess runners medals [27]

Winners
Year Men's time Men's winner Country Women's time Women's winner Country
Not held 2020 due to COVID-19
24 Nov, 2019 2:16:31Deriba Degefa Ethiopia 2:32:49Feyne Gemeda Ethiopia
18 Nov, 2018 2:14:47Tadesse Dabi Ethiopia 2:32:53Serkalem Biset Abrha Ethiopia
19 Nov, 2017 2:16:25Boniface Kongin Kenya 2:38:14Sarah Kiptoo United States
20 Nov, 2016 2:15:53Jonathan Cheruiyot Kenya 2:36:25Taylor Ward United States
22 Nov, 2015 2:17:44Teklu Deneke Ethiopia 2:40:05Gisela Olalde Mexico
23 Nov, 2014 2:17:28Dan Vassallo United States 2:40:00Leonora Petrina United States
17 Nov, 2013 2:17:28Abebe Mekuriya Ethiopia 2:39:06Irina Alexandrova Russia
18 Nov, 2012 2:17:49Michael McKeeman United States 2:35:37Irina Mashkantseva Russia
20 Nov, 2011 2:19:16 Folisho Tuko United States 2:35:46 Mariska Kramer Netherlands
22 Nov, 2010 2:21:28 Daniel Vassallo (MA) United States 2:38:55 Mariska Kramer Netherlands
22 Nov, 2009 2:17:15 John Crews (NC) United States 2:46:44 Jutta Merilainen Finland
23 Nov, 2008 2:19:57 Andriy Toptun Ukraine 2:44:02 Vera Ovcharuk Ukraine
18 Nov, 2007 2:25:01 Timothy Psitet Kenya 2:42:05 Kristin Price (NC) United States
19 Nov, 2006 2:17:09 Hosea Kimutai Kenya 2:40:31 Maryina Bychkova Russia
20 Nov, 2005 2:21:02 Joseph Ndiritu-2 Kenya 2:43:07 Emily Kroshus Canada
21 Nov, 2004 2:19:43 Michael Korir-2 Kenya 2:41:57 Larisa Mikhailova Russia
23 Nov, 2003 2:16:47 Joseph Ndiritu Kenya 2:45:05 Seana Carmean (MA) United States
24 Nov, 2002 2:18:43 Michael Korir Kenya 2:39:47 Tatyana Maslova Russia
18 Nov, 2001 2:21:07 Gennadiy Temnikov Russia 2:41:05 Elena Plastinina Ukraine
19 Nov, 2000 2:18:03 Brian Clas (NY) United States 2:41:56 Elvira Kolpakova Russia
21 Nov, 1999 2:25:46 Tesfaye Bekele Ethiopia 2:37:59 Anne Marie Lauck (NJ) United States
22 Nov, 1998 2:24:12 Ryan Grote (NJ) United States 2:44:59 Jan Wanklyn-2 United States
23 Nov, 1997 2:19:03 Gavin Gaynor (PA) United States 2:41:35 Sarah Hunter Canada
24 Nov, 1996 2:19:55 Nikolic Srba Yugoslavia 2:50:01 Bea Marie Altieri (MD) United States
19 Nov, 1995 2:20:15 Mark Andrews (NC) United States 2:39:54 Jeanne Peterson (NY) United States
20 Nov, 1994 2:21:22 Charles Crabb (PA) United States 2:52:08 Jan Wanklyn (PA) United States
Not held 1990-93
1989 2:22Tim Wunch United States
1988 2:32:23Fred Schneck (PA) United States
29 Nov, 1987 2:24:08Tim Wunsch United States 2:54:12 Lori Lawson United States
23 Nov, 1986 2:25:25 Ira Meyers (PA) United States 2:47:15 Doreen Mastalli (NY) United States
24 Nov, 1985 2:18:27a Derick Adamson-2 Jamaica 2:38:30a Sandra Mewett Bermuda
25 Nov, 1984 2:16:39a Derick Adamson Jamaica 2:42:30a Barbara Filtuze (PA) United States
27 Nov, 1983 2:15:26a Sam Pelletier (ME) United States 2:36:38a Jane Welzel United States
28 Nov, 1982 2:14:59a William Scholl (NJ) United States 2:34:28a Jan Yerkes-2 United States
29 Nov, 1981 2:17:25a Dave Patterson (PA) United States 2:39:11a Jan Yerkes (PA) United States
30 Nov, 1980 2:26:18 William Devoe United States 3:04:36 Pam Borowsky United States
25 Nov, 1979 2:30:06 Richard Hayden United States 3:05:21 Chris Schilling United States
26 Nov, 1978 2:22:38 Richard diSebastian-2 United States 2:56:05 Carol Geig United States
1977 2:25:59 Richard diSebastian United States none
1976 2:24:59.6Dave Patterson United States
29 Nov, 1975 2:26:12Carlo Cherubino &
Larry Frederick		 United States 3:04:44Nancy KentCornell
01 Dec, 1974 2:21:57 Bill Rodgers (MA) United States 3:25:33 Mary Devlin United States
25 Nov, 1973 2:29:44.4Bill Bragg United States
26 Nov, 1972 2:27:29.5Rick Bayko United States
28 Nov, 1971 2:26:44.8Moses Mayfield-2 United States
29 Nov, 1970 2:24:29 Moses Mayfield United States none
30 Nov, 1969 2:32:52.4 Leo Duart United States none
1968 2:36:35.6Jim McDonagh United States
03 Dec, 1967 2:24:23 Bill Clark (CA) United States none
18 Dec, 1966 2:24:43.4 Amby Burfoot (CT) United States 3:58:49 Sue Morse United States
26 Dec, 1965 2:34:07.6 Tom Osler (NJ) United States none
24 Jan, 1965 2:37:23 John Kelly (NY) United States none
19 Jan, 1964 2:20:05 Adolf Gruber-2 Austria none
27 Jan, 1963 2:39:49 Adolf Gruber Austria none
28 Jan, 1962 2:33:13.6 Ted Corbitt -4 United States none
Not held 1960-1961
25 Jan, 1959 2:29:43 Ted Corbitt-3 United States none
05 Jan, 1958 2:26:44 Ted Corbitt-2 United States none
27 Jan, 1957 2:31:19 Jack Barry-2 United States none
29 Jan, 1956 2:36:09 Jack Barry (PA) United States none
30 Jan, 1955 2:25:23 Johnny J Kelley United States none
31 Jan, 1954 2:36:06 Ted Corbitt (NY) United States none

Winners by Country

Number Country Last Time
62 United States 2017
8 Kenya 2017
7 Russia 2013
6 Ethiopia 2019
3 Ukraine 2008
2 Netherlands 2011
2 Canada 2005
2 Jamaica 1985
2 Austria 1964
1 Mexico 2015
1 Finland 2009
1 Yugoslavia 1996
1 Bermuda 1985

Winners by Continent

Number Continent Last Time
68 North America 2017
14 Africa 2019
9 Europe 2011
7 Asia 2013


See also

References
  1. "Climate Setter Offset: The Philadelphia Marathon." Climate Action Reserve. N.p., 13 May 2013. Web. 11 Apr 2014. http://www.climateactionreserve.org/blog/2013/05/30/climate-action-offsetter-the-philadelphiamarathon%5B%5D
  2. "2014 GORE-TEX Philadelphia Marathon." Running USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr 2014. http://www.runningusa.org/philadelphia-marathon-registration2014?returnTo=main%5B%5D
  3. https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/generate-view.php/?type=l&id=PA16003DB
  4. "To Philadelphia marathoners, medals are a 'badge of honor'". PhillyVoice. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  5. Gregory, Kia; Sapatkin, Don (November 21, 2011). "Philly runners' deaths point to dangers of extreme stress on the body". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  6. {https://www.thedp.com/article/2013/04/cause-of-student-death-in-2011-remains-unknown}
  7. {https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/post/runners-who-died-in-philadelphia-marathon-are-identified-but-cause-of-death-is-not-certain/2011/11/21/gIQAdcWhiN_blog.html}
  8. Tawa, Steve (October 3, 2013). "Gore-Tex Signs On as Title Sponsor for Philadelphia Marathon". CBS Philly. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  9. "Philadelphia Marathon Gets A New Title Partner". 2017-08-15. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  10. "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Dietz & Watson as Sponsor of the Half Marathon". PRWeb. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  11. "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Rothman Institute as Continued Sponsor of the 8K | Running USA". runningusa.org. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  12. "AACR Philadelphia Marathon Announces Dunkin' Donuts as Sponsor of Munchkins Run". PRWeb. Retrieved 2018-05-22.
  13. {https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/2018/10/23/garmin-is-the-official-timer-and-running-watch-of-2018-philadelphia-marathon-weekend/}
  14. https://www.fox29.com/news/philadelphia-issues-moratorium-on-large-public-events-through-feb-2021-amid-coronavirus-pandemic
  15. https://archive.is/xPgj9
  16. Kennedy, Michael. "Philadelphia Marathon." Visit Philadelphia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr 2014. http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/philadelphia-marathon
  17. Kennedy, Michael. "Philadelphia Marathon." Visit Philadelphia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr 2014. http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/philadelphia-marathon
  18. "Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview." Clif Bar. N.p., 11 November 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2014-04-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. "Philadelphia Marathon Course Preview." Clif Bar. N.p., 11 November 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2014-04-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  20. Kennedy, Michael. "Philadelphia Marathon." Visit Philadelphia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr 2014. <http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/philadelphia-marathon
  21. "Guide to the 2013 Philadelphia Marathon." CBS Philly. N.p., 14 Nov 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/guide/guide-to-the-2013-philadelphia-marathon
  22. "Guide to the 2013 Philadelphia Marathon." CBS Philly. N.p., 14 Nov 2013. Web. 9 Apr 2014. http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/guide/guide-to-the-2013-philadelphia-marathon
  23. "The Races | Philadelphia Marathon". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
  24. "https://philadelphiamarathon.com/races/marathon/". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22. External link in |title= (help)
  25. "https://philadelphiamarathon.com/races/half-marathon/". philadelphiamarathon.com. Retrieved 2018-05-22. External link in |title= (help)
  26. "Climate Setter Offset: The Philadelphia Marathon." Climate Action Reserve. N.p., 13 May 2013. Web. 11 Apr 2014. http://www.climateactionreserve.org/blog/2013/05/30/climate-action-offsetter-the-philadelphiamarathon%5B%5D
  27. "Climate Setter Offset: The Philadelphia Marathon." Climate Action Reserve. N.p., 13 May 2013. Web. 11 Apr 2014. http://www.climateactionreserve.org/blog/2013/05/30/climate-action-offsetter-the-philadelphiamarathon%5B%5D

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