Philly Marathon Returns With Increased Safety After 2020 Hiatus

PHILADELPHIA — The 2021 Philadelphia Marathon is set for November, but runners and spectators have some new rules to follow due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials Tuesday announced the preliminary dates for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend are Nov. 19 through Nov. 21.

The 27th annual event is limiting runners to 50 percent of the normal amount for all races: AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman 8K, and the Dunkin’ Munchkin Run.

However, officials said participation limits may be eased depending on coronavirus restrictions.

The full marathon will take place Saturday, Nov. 20 and the other races will be held Sunday, Nov. 21. The half marathon will begin at 7 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. to allow for increased distancing between runners. All other race event times will remain the same.

Registration opens at 2 p.m. Thursday. Sign up online here.

Runners who are registered to run in-person during races scheduled on Nov. 20 or Nov. 21 will be given the option to participate virtually if they wish to, or if they are unable to run in-person due to illness. Those who register for a virtual race will also be given the option to transfer their participation to an in-person event through their RunSignUp account for an additional fee, space permitting.

Runners who deferred their 2020 race registration will get an email with instructions on how to register for the 2021 race using their deferred entry. Those who were registered for 2020’s cancelled race who choose not to participate in the 2021 race may defer to 2022 or 2023 in the race category associated with their 2020 registration, as well.

Start and finish line access will be exclusive to runners; spectators will be limited to spectator zones located throughout the course of the race.

Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be modified to public health safety guidelines; there will be no registration or packet pick-up on event day.

A pre-event questionnaire will be sent to all registered participants assessing their exposure risk in advance requiring them to disclose known symptoms.

Participants and spectators who have coronavirus symptoms the week leading up to race day will not be allowed to attend.

As for runners, they will be required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose in the start line corral and after crossing the finish line.

Runners will be assigned into eight corrals with 10 runners starting in waves every 10 seconds to allow for more distance between runners and will be spaced three feet apart in starting corrals.

Traditional high fives and other significant celebratory points of contact will not be permitted at the finish line and runners will be required to remain socially distanced from others when they cross the finish line.

"While canceling the 2020 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend was necessary, it was still a difficult announcement to make," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "Today, we’re filled with hope as vaccine distribution continues to increase, making announcements like today’s possible. We are excited as we plan for the return of an iconic Philadelphia event, and we’re committed to creating the safest environment for our staff, athletes, volunteers, and partners. Safety is our top priority, and we continue to work closely with public health experts to plan and execute a safe, successful marathon weekend."

In the event of a cancellation, all 2021 participants will be given the option to defer their registration to race in future years, or to receive a partial refund dependent upon the cancellation date.

Partial refunds will be determined based on race expenditures incurred by the city leading up to the cancellation date. A virtual race weekend is not planned if all race events are cancelled. In the event the race is cancelled, runners will be offered the option to donate their pro-rated refund to AACR.

See more details, including training tips, challenges, race routes, and more on the marathon's website here.