The Spectator’s Guide to the Philadelphia Marathon
Everything you need to know about race day (or how to avoid it completely)
On Sunday, thousands of people will run the Philadelphia Marathon — with almost as many cheering them on.
“Obviously, the running is the running, so that’s the main thing,” said Lionel Brodie, founder of local run crew, Original Propaganda Athletic Club. “But folks who are cheering are pretty high on the hierarchy of importance. I don't know if LeBron James would be LeBron James if there weren't people in the stands cheering for him.”
Whether you’re planning to chase a runner all over the city or hang out in one spot to high-five strangers, this guide will help you figure out your race day strategy. From where to stand, what to pack, and even some fun sign suggestions.
Where to spectate
Let’s find a spot to cheer from first. Why are you watching the marathon?
Where to spectate
You’re literally the best
Nick Malfitano — an East Falls resident, two-time Philadelphia Marathon finisher, and three-time spectator — remembers feeling a boost of adrenaline every time a stranger called out his name. “Hearing your name is just that kind of support that can sometimes make all the difference,” he said.
Would you rather cheer in a louder area or support runners on some of the quieter stretches?
Where to spectate
Your runner appreciates you
No matter where you post up, tell them what side of the course you’ll be on, the runner’s left or the runner’s right. That will make it easier for them to spot you.
How do you want to get around the course on race day?
You should spectate in
Center City
You can see your runner at mile 1 or mile 2, as well as around mile 5.
If you want to wish your runner luck as they cross the start line, Matt LeBlanc — a two-time Philadelphia Marathon runner and four-time spectator — recommends walking a few blocks to where the crowds thin out. “Rather than go right at the start, go a quarter-mile down the parkway,” he said. “You can see them at the start and then go to Chestnut, and you’ll see them again relatively quickly.”
How to get there
Center City
You can get there by taking the Broad Street subway. Alternatively, the Market-Frankford line has two stops just one block away from the course.
You’ll also have time to grab a coffee or something to eat and catch your runner one more time on Kelly Drive using the Manayunk Norristown regional line before you meet them again at the finish line.
You should spectate on
Kelly Drive
You can cheer at mile 18 and mile 22.
Liz Pagonis, chief marketing officer of Philadelphia Runner, an independent and locally owned specialty running company, says runners could really use the support on their way back to the city from the turnaround point in Manayunk. “That's a spot that tends to not get as much love.”
Samantha Choy — a co-leader of the November Project’s Philly chapter — thinks miles 20 to 24 are the most inspiring place to spectate. “That's when people are struggling. That's when you see people in all different states of mind: having a blast out there or really hurting,” she said. “As a spectator, I think that's the most interesting place to be because these people have already just run 20 miles, and they know they're so close to the end.”
How to get there
Kelly Drive
If you’re trying to get to Kelly Drive by car, Pagonis recommends parking in Fairmount early in the day and walking over. “Or you can get an Indego bike there,” she added.
Nick Malfitano — an East Falls resident, two-time Philadelphia Marathon finisher, and three-time spectator — recommends using the Schuylkill River Trail to walk or bike along the course.
The Manayunk Norristown regional line is another option if you would rather take SEPTA.
You should spectate on
Girard Ave
You can see your runner at mile 9 and mile 13.
Stephanie Haynes recommends parking on Parkside and Girard, in the lots by the School of the Future, to watch runners come up the hilly section on Lansdowne Avenue. “That’s probably my favorite place to watch,” she said.
Depending on your runner’s pace, you could also probably catch them along Kelly Drive if you’re bringing your bike or are down to hop on an Indego.
You should spectate in
Manayunk
“Manayunk’s like a frickin’ party,” LeBlanc said. If you’re looking for a spot that has live music and beer to hand out to runners, you should cheer between miles 19 to 21, when runners are staring down the last 10K of the race.
How to get there
Manayunk
If you want to take SEPTA, the Manayunk Norristown regional line’s Wissahickon stop is one street over from mile 19, and the Manayunk stop is a short walk from mile 20 – the marathon’s turnaround point.
Explore the course
Use the toggles at the top to see transportation options and road closures. When you’re done looking around, go through a visual checklist of what to bring on race day.
What to bring
Good shoes (maybe a chair)
You might not be running the marathon, but you’ll still be on your feet a fair bit — standing in place or walking from one mile marker to another — so wear your comfiest pair. Stephanie Haynes — a West Philly runner — recommends bringing a folding chair if you want to stay in one spot. “Really, like, plan to hang out,” she said.
What to bring
Gloves and other warm layers
Bundle up and pack more layers than you might need. Samantha Choy, a co-leader for Philadelphia’s chapter of the November Project, recommends putting hand warmers in your gloves and socks. “That totally saved me.”
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What to bring
Easily recognizable outfit
If you want your runner to see you, it helps to have something easy to spot in a crowd. In 2014, Matt LeBlanc — a two-time Philadelphia Marathon runner and four-time spectator — watched his wife run her first Philadelphia Marathon and wore a bright red Phillies hoodie to help her find him. “Now it's been the tradition, and my wife has run 11 marathons,” he said. “I wear that every marathon that I spectate.”
If you’ve been looking for ways to re-purpose your Halloween outfit or a reason to bust out that Gritty costume, now’s your time.
What to bring
Water bottle and thermos
If you're outside screaming and encouraging strangers, you must stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water and maybe a hot beverage to help keep you warm. Just know that glass bottles other than baby bottles are not allowed past the secured race entrances by the start and finish lines.
On that note, Brodie recommends mapping out the closest public bathroom to your cheer spot. “You don't really think about it until you're outside for two hours, and then you gotta go.”
What to bring
Tissues and/or candy to hand out
Stephanie Haynes started bringing tissues after she had someone carry them for her when she did the Broad Street Run. “It's kind of a sport in itself to get people to grab the tissue as they come by,” she said.
“It's always nice when spectators have tissues or something unexpected to hand out to runners,” Liz Pagonis of Philadelphia Runner said. “It's just a nice touch.”
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What to bring
Snacks
You might have a big post-race meal planned (more on that later), but you might be out on the course for hours, especially if you make a day out of it. Bring snacks for yourself to hold you over.
What to bring
Portable phone charger
Spectating a marathon would be a terrible time for your phone to die, so pack a portable charger (and if you’re supporting someone specific, consider bringing another one for their phone).
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What to bring
Cowbell, speaker, and signs
Come ready to cheer, but it might be nice to have props that allow you to rest your vocal cords. Cowbells and portable speakers are easy alternatives to ensure runners know you’re still rooting for them. Just don’t be obnoxious.
Signs are another way to distract runners from their demons and entertain your fellow spectators. If you need ideas, we’ve got you covered.
Sign suggestions
What vibes are you going for?
Be prepared
Tips from seasoned spectators
The finish line can be chaotic and emotional, so if you’re supporting someone specific…
Have a post-race plan for food. “Discuss where you're gonna go out to eat with the person who's running,” Matt LeBlanc said. “The person is usually really out of it when [they] finish, so it’s nice to just hop in the car.”
Download the app to track them. Asking your runner to share their location on Google Maps or Find My Friends are alternatives. However, they assume that your runner has their phone on them, and, according to Stephanie Haynes “It totally sucks their battery.” She recommends asking your runner to text if they need to meet up with you.
Reminders
Race day road closures
Road closures for the marathon course will be rolling throughout the day on Sunday, but will begin as early as 2 a.m. that morning. All streets besides Eakins Oval are scheduled to be reopened by 2 p.m. on Sunday, according to marathon officials.
Friday and Saturday road closures are available here.
Roads in Center City will open earlier in the day as they are cleared and serviced. Eakins Oval and Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be fully open to traffic by 5 p.m.
Cue cowbells
Thanks for spectating!
For Nick Malfitano — an East Falls resident, two-time Philadelphia Marathon finisher, and three-time spectator — spectating is an equal if not greater thrill compared to running a marathon.
“You're watching people complete an amazing athletic feat and leave it all out there on the course,” he said. “You really get a bird's eye view of the resilience of the human spirit.”
And who knows? You might just be inspired to run one too.
Staff Contributors
- Reporter and designer: Charmaine Runes
- Illustrator: Tara Jacoby
- Editor: Sam Morris, Samantha Ruland
Regional rail
Subway
Indego
Road closures