Ran this race 7 times with 40,000 of my closest friends. One of my favorite races even though you have to get up very earlier to get to the start. Getting to the start is complicated. You have to park at the stadiums (the finish) and take a 30 minute subway ride to the start. The route is mostly down hill. I've had my best 10 mile times. It is a huge race and the start is in waves. The aide stations are plenty and have lots of water and gatorade. There are bands and crowds galore. I'm sad that it was virtual this year but at least it wasn't cancelled. The entry is a lottery but there is a online board where people post bibs not needed and it's easy to get a bib. After 10 years you are guaranteed entry each year. Photographers are on the course but don't expect to find your pic. That is the only downfall.

This was my first and third marathon. There are hills and a long stretch on Kelly Drive to Manayunk and back. The crowds are a plenty in Center City and Manayunk but you will be lonely on Kelly Drive where you will be at the end of the race. It's been chilly during the race but most people enjoy the temps. The race shirt and medal are very nice. The expo has the typical sellers. i always enjpot the Philadelphia race weekend races.

My brother ran this in the 1980s. It was my goal to run it in 2016. Scenery is epic running through VA and Washington DC. The crowds are awesome. The Blue Mile is humbling. Great for a first marathon even though it was my second and fourth. Medal and long sleeve lined shirt is great. Aide stations have everything you need. The expo was very large. Bring extra $$$ because you will want to buy everything in sight.