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Course guide & time predictor

Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia, PA

Fairmount Park, the Schuylkill River, and a flat November BQ course

Elevation gain

450 ft

Course difficulty

0.5% slower than Berlin

Race month

November

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About the race

The Philadelphia Marathon is one of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast BQ circuit. With approximately 30,000 participants and a November race date, it draws runners deep in their fall training cycle who are targeting Boston qualifiers or personal bests. The course loops through Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River — largely flat, well-organized, and reliably cold enough to race hard.

Course profile

The course is a modified loop through Fairmount Park, running primarily along the Schuylkill River Trail and Kelly Drive. Total elevation gain is approximately 450 feet, with modest rolling terrain on the park sections. There are no significant climbs. The second half of the course mirrors portions of the first, giving runners a familiar sequence when they most need it. Aid stations are frequent and well-stocked.

Race-day conditions

Late November in Philadelphia means 35–50°F at the start — ideal racing conditions. Cold mornings are common; dress in layers you can discard at mile 6. Rain is possible but races in these conditions typically still produce fast times. Wind off the Schuylkill can be a minor factor on exposed river sections. In most years, Philadelphia delivers excellent BQ-weather conditions.

Using the predictor

Philadelphia runs about 0.5% slower than Berlin — a modest adjustment. On a 3:30 finish, that's roughly 1 minute. This is one of the most honest courses on the East Coast for a BQ attempt: the terrain won't work against you, and November weather is as reliable as East Coast marathons get. If your fitness supports a BQ attempt, Philadelphia in November is a strong choice.

Common questions

Is the Philadelphia Marathon a good course for a Boston qualifier?

Yes — Philadelphia is one of the strongest BQ courses on the East Coast. The net-flat loop through Fairmount Park, reliable November weather, and lack of significant climbs make it comparable to Chicago in terms of execution potential. This tool rates it at 0.5% slower than Berlin — modest enough that your fitness, not the course, will determine your time.

How does the Philadelphia Marathon compare to the New York City Marathon?

Philadelphia is significantly easier and less crowded than NYC. Where NYC has 1,400 feet of elevation gain and five bridge crossings, Philadelphia has 450 feet of modest rolling terrain along the Schuylkill River. Philly is rated 0.5% slower than Berlin; NYC is 3.8% slower. Runners targeting a BQ in the fall would be better served by Philadelphia than NYC in almost every case.

How do I register for the Philadelphia Marathon?

The Philadelphia Marathon uses a standard registration system — no lottery. Registration opens in late winter or spring for the November race. It sells out, typically by midsummer, so register early. Charity entries are also available. The race is capped at approximately 30,000 runners across all distances.

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