Everything you need to know about the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon

Soon, thousands of the country‘s fastest runners will flock to Philly for the annual marathon weekend that shuts down large swaths of the city and brings a festival to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Philadelphia Marathon returns Nov. 23 and 24 with a 26.2-miler, 13.1-miler, 8K, and children’s run, all promoting healthy living and raising money for the Philadelphia City Fund. More than 30,000 people will lace up their sneakers, prep racing wheelchairs, and hit the pavement, with thousands more cheering along the race routes.

Expect plenty of road closures, parking restrictions, and traffic. But, with proper planning, the marathon weekend can be filled with huge celebrations and thrilling finishes at the end of the races.

All races, except the Nemours Children’s Run, start at 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Art Museum. The Nemours Children’s Run begins at Von Colln Memorial Field, at 2276 Pennsylvania Ave., adjacent to Eakins Oval.

Each race follows a unique route, with the the marathon and half-marathon winding through Center City, Chinatown, Old City, Queen Village, Rittenhouse, and University City, with significant portions covering Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The Philadelphia Marathon’s Expo is coming to the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday, Nov. 22, from noon to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Expo is filled with vendors showcasing apparel, shoes, gear, free product samples, and educational booths on health and fitness.

Located in Hall F of the convention center at 12th & Arch Streets, it‘s a free event perfect for seasoned and new runners alike, or the curious visitor looking to see what it’s all about.

Friday and Saturday bring a speaker series to the Expo and meet-and-greets with some of the country’s top runners. On Friday evening, there will be kids activities.

Spectators are welcome to line the race routes to cheer on runners but will be restricted from the starting lines and in secure running areas until after 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday to ensure smooth race starts.

The Philadelphia Marathon has a list of prohibited and discouraged items for spectators, available in full on its website. Large umbrellas, coolers, and animals (except ADA service dogs) are not allowed. The marathon also discourages bringing large blankets, backpacks, or cameras.

Road closures have not been announced yet. Check back for updates.

Lines 7, 32, 38, 43, 48, and 49 drop riders within a two-minute walk from the Art Museum. But, due to the race, there will most likely be detours — SEPTA hasn’t announced them yet. Check SEPTA’s system status for the latest schedules.

The race’s starting line is within a 10-minute ride from the City Hall area and subway stop and other locations. Check the map of Indego bike share stations to rent bikes and return them at a station near the Art Museum.

Revenue earned and money raised from the Philadelphia Marathon goes to various charities and nonprofits, including local ones like B Inspired Philadelphia and the Mazzoni Center.

See a full list of partnering nonprofits on the Philadelphia Marathon website.

Monetary prizes range from $225 to $10,000 depending on the race, with the Philadelphia Marathon’s Elite Division being the most competitive.

See a full list of awards and prize money on the Philadelphia Marathon website.