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What to see, what to do during Philly Marathon Weekend

It’s race time. And since the Philadelphia Marathon is celebrating its 21st year, expect a weekend of reasonable partying — not too wild though, the race is 26.2 miles, after all.

    by Allie Volpe
    Published 

From Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23, the city will be abuzz with fitness happenings for runners (including participants in the half marathon, 8K and kids fun run) and non-runners alike.

The Expo
Other than the required packet pickup spot for runners, the Health and Fitness Expo, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch Streets) will be the go-to spot for fitness apparel, freebies and insightful speakers.

The expo runs from noon until 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22.

All the good stuff goes down in Hall F of the convention center with vendors and speakers covering topics like avoiding injury, course overview and a guide to must-see Philly sights.

The Races
The weekend boasts four exciting races for runners of all levels. The competition starts on Saturday, Nov. 22 with the Rothman Institute 8K, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run with a 10:30 a.m. start time.

Sunday, Nov. 23's events include both the half and full marathon, starting at 7 a.m.

All races start and end at 22nd and the Parkway with a finisher's festival featuring music, food trucks, goodies for purchase and family area, operating until 2 p.m.

Unfortunately, registration for all but the kids' fun run is closed. If your younguns (ages 6-14) feel up for it, you can register them at the expo or until 9 a.m. at the starting line on Saturday.

The Deals
Perhaps the greatest perk — aside from the immeasurable pride of finishing the race — is probably the sweet deals registrants will have the opportunity to cash in on.

Participating restaurants are giving runners prix-fixe carb-rich menus on Saturday, Nov. 22. Choose Your Course restaurants include Pennsylvania 6 (114 S. 12th St.), Panorama (14 N. Front St.), Tashan (777 S. Broad St.) and others.

After the race, hightail it (no judgment if your version of hightaling it consists of a slow, pained walk) to these six bars and restaurants for drink specials.

Shake Shack (2000 Sansom St. and 3200 Chestnut St.) is offering racers a free single custard with the presentation of their race bib.

For Spectators
Grab your signs and prepare your vocal chords for spirited cheering at any of these fan spots, scattered throughout the course with activities and entertainment at each, so bring the family and hang out!

  1. Start/Finish: 22nd and the Parkway

  2. 16th and Arch Streets

  3. 10th and Arch Streets

  4. Columbus Boulevard and Race Street

  5. Washington Avenue between Columbus Boulevard and Front Street

  6. 2nd and South Streets

  7. 6th and Walnut Streets

  8. Broad and Chestnut Streets

  9. 21st and Chestnut Streets

  10. 32nd and Chestnut Streets

  11. 34th and Chestnut Streets

  12. 34th Street and Fairmount Avenue

  13. 34th Street and Girard Avenue

  14. West Memorial Hall Drive near Please Touch Museum

  15. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Black Road

  16. Sedgley Avenue and Kelly Road

  17. Kelly and Fountain Green Drives

  18. Hunting Park Avenue and Kelly Drive

  19. Kelly Drive and Ferry Street

  20. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive near East Falls Bridge

  21. Main Street Manayunk and Ridge Avenue

  22. Main Street Manayunk and Cotton Street

  23. Main Street Manayunk and Carson Street

Don't miss a moment: Here's more Philadelphia Marathon coverage.