Sure, the U.S. has older marathons that Philadelphia’s. And certainly, there are larger races making the nearly 30,000 participants that annually make the Philadelphia Marathon a success pale in comparison. But for those who choose to run the just over 26 miles along Ben Franklin Parkway and Old City, there is just something about it — something that makes this sprint perfect for Philly.
Since 1954 — not long after the conclusion of the Korea War — the Philadelphia Marathon has been a staple fall event on the third Thursday of each November. Over the years, the Marathon had different names including the Greater Philadelphia Independence Marathon, and the Fairmount Park Marathon. It actually comprises multiple events including the Rothman Orthopaedic 8K, the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, and the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon. The event also features a quartet of challenging race combinations for runners.
The Philadelphia Marathon — like many events — is another example of our welcoming nature. Among the group of nearly 30,000 marathoners — are all comers from all 50 U.S. states as well as more than 40 countries, bringing around $700,000 in revenue to the city for the weekend.
And it was one of Philadelphia’s most popular mayors — Ed Rendell — who on the Philadelphia Marathon’s 14th anniversary limited 1,500 person race to Philadelphia city limits, made it an official annual city event, and gave is the name that it has kept these last 30 years.
Unlike the annual Broad Street Run — which takes place each spring — The Philadelphia Marathon is not only 16 miles longer — it is also older. It doesn’t confine itself to Broad Street neighborhoods, rather gives runners a view of the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Betsy Ross House, and the Liberty Bell each year. It isn’t just a scenic run through Old City and along the Ben Franklin Parkway, it’s a showcase of some of the best of Philadelphia.
For the dedicated national and international participants in 2024 , it will be the best of the city once again. Philadelphia wouldn’t have it any other way.
Michael Thomas Leibrandt is member of the York Road Historical Society and lives and works in Abington Township.
