Runner Tracking

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Cheer Zones

Philadelphia is known for having some of the most devoted sports fans in the world. Our boundless enthusiasm extends to the Philadelphia Marathon as well. Each year, thousands of Philadelphians gather along the course to show their support to all of the runners.

Need to find a spot to cheer on a family member or friend? Watch the race at one of the following fan-friendly cheer zones for the Half Marathon on Saturday, November 19 and the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 20. Times listed are approximate and indicate when runners will be by each location.

 

PHILADELPHIA HALF MARATHON CHEER ZONES – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

ART MUSEUM

Start Line, Benjamin Franklin Parkway (5:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.)* It’s officially Race Weekend! Get warmed up and meet us on the course for the start of the half marathon.

 

EAST OF CENTER CITY

16th & Arch Streets @ Café Cret – Miles .8 & 2.9 (7:25 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.) Café Cret will have the coffee on and the muffins ready. Hang out by City Hall and Dilworth Park to get the runners going on the right foot as they begin their race.

6th & Market Streets – Mile 1.8 (7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.)* Near the birthplace of independence, you can pack your morning cheering on the runners, grabbing a draft latte from La Colombe then heading to Independence Visitors Center to plan your day in Philadelphia. You’ll be right across the Liberty Bell, why not stop by and take a selfie!

 

WEST OF CENTER CITY

15th & Market Streets (Northwest Corner) – Mile 2.6 (7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.) Claes Oldenburg linked his design for the Clothespin to Constantin Brancusi’s well-known sculpture The Kiss in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Many agree that the Clothespin’s shape resembles two lovers entwining. Be sure to take a glimpse when you are here and interpret for yourself.

 

ART MUSEUM

Eakins Oval (Riverside) – Mile 3.1 (7:45 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.) Speaking of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it was originally chartered in 1876 for the Centennial Exposition. The museum administers collections containing over 227,000 objects including major holdings of European, American and Asian origin. And, if you can make your way over, be sure to run the steps like Rocky to the top!

 

FAIRMOUNT PARK/MLK DRIVE

Sweetbriar & Martin Luther Kind Drive – Mile 5.1 (7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.)* Catch a glimpse of the west side of the Schuylkill River and experience the new half marathon route that twists and bends around all the scenic and enchanting corners of Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in the country.

Martin Luther King Drive & Black Road – Mile 6.8 (7:50 a.m. - 10 a.m.) If you make your way over to this cheer zone, be sure to take note of the closeby cultural institutions: Please Touch Museum, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, and the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.

Ford Road & Chamounix Drove – Mile 7.8 (8 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.) Set in West Fairmount Park near I-76 and the Schuylkill River Trail, this 1802 mansion now houses a hostel that is 2 miles from the Underground Railroad Museum and 5 miles from both the Franklin Institute and the Eastern State Penitentiary which are both right by the race start/finish lines.

Strawberry Mansion & Huntington Drives – Mile 9.1 (8:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)* Positioned equidistant between two of Fairmount Parks Historic Mansions, Strawberry and Woodford Mansions, you get the benefit of being in the park and experiencing great architecture in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Diamond & Reservoir Drives – Mile 10.3 (8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.) It’s truly a treat to have the opportunity to explore the park. Founded in 1855, Fairmount Park represents one of the earliest endeavors in the American park movement. Today, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department seeks to protect and interpret these significant natural, historic and cultural treasures, including the close by Laurel Hill Mansion and Mander Playground.

Mt. Pleasant & Fountain Green Drives – Mile 11.2 (8:15 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.) For the adventurous, both kids and parents alike, trek into West Fairmount Park to this cheer zone to catch the race action. Afterwards, take a five minute walk to Smith Memorial Playground. This playground is the size of six football fields and was designed solely as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia’s most prominent late 19th century architects, James H. Windrim. 

 

FAIRMOUNT PARK/KELLY DRIVE

Brewery Hill & Kelly Drives (Enter from Girard Avenue) – Mile 12 (8:20 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.) Located in East Fairmount Park, be sure to explore Glendinning Rock Garden and head down Girard Avenue to the Brewerytown neighborhood and grab a coffee or some food at Monkey and the Elephant or Rybrew.

Kelly & Sedgley Drives (Lloyd Hall) – Mile 12.6 (8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)* Nearing the finish line, this is a great spot to take the runners home and take a stroll along the picturesque and historic Boathouse Row.

 

Finish Line, Kelly Drive near Spring Garden Street – Mile 13.1

 

PHILADELPHIA MARATHON CHEER ZONES – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

ART MUSEUM

Start Line, Benjamin Franklin Parkway (5:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.)* Rise and shine! Meet us at the starting line to help get our runners off on the right foot as they begin their journey!

 

EAST OF CENTER CITY

16th & Arch Streets @ Café Cret — Mile 1 (6:55 a.m.-7:40 a.m.) Located right by City Hall and Dilworth Park, you are in the heart of it all. Grab a breakfast treat and a cup of coffee at Café Cret while you are here.

10th & Arch Streets @ Friendship Gate in Chinatown — Mile 1.5 (7:00 a.m.-7:55 a.m.) The Friendship Gate is internationally known and represents cultural exchange and friendship between Philadelphia and its Sister City, Tianjin, China. Chinatown is one of Philadelphia’s many neighborhoods that is rich with culture and diversity. Grab some dim sum or a bubble tea while you are in the neighborhood!

Columbus Boulevard & Race Street near Fringe Arts — Mile 2.2 (7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.)* With a beautiful view of the Ben Franklin Bridge and access to Race Street Pier, hand by Fringe Arts and catch beautiful views of the Delaware River and downtown Camden, NJ. Stroll into Old City afterwards and grab a coffee at United By Blue or breakfast at Luna Café.

Washington Avenue between Columbus Boulevard & Front Street — Mile 3.8 (7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.)* Welcome to South Philly — home to the Mummers and some of the best cheesesteaks around. If you live in the neighborhood, roll out of bed and come join us! We’ll have some music to help you wake up.

2nd & South Streets @ Bridget Foy’s — Mile 4.5 (7:05 a.m.-8:30 a.m.) Once a mecca for artists and beatniks, South Street is now a popular destination for dining, entertainment, and fashion. Stroll down 4th Street for fabrics and boutiques, stop by the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, or grab a bite at Bridget Foy’s!

6th & Walnut Streets — Mile 5.1 (7:05 a.m.-8:40 a.m.)* Cheer like its 1776! Hang out by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Historic Philadelphia and celebrate the nation’s birthplace.

Broad & Chestnut Streets — Mile 6 (7:10 a.m.-9:00 a.m.) Located right in Center City, you’ll be in the perfect location to grab breakfast in Midtown or Rittenhouse Square after watching the race. Be sure to check out Wawa’s flagship store nearby for a hot beverage and soft pretzel in the meantime.

 

WEST OF CENTER CITY

21st & Chestnut Streets @ Caffeination — Mile 6.5 (7:10 a.m.-9:00 a.m.) Warm up with a hot treat from Caffeination, make a sign at the station, and shake your groove thang. The tunes will be pumping!

 

UNIVERSITY CITY/WEST PHILADELPHIA

Chestnut Square @ 32nd and Chestnut Streets — Mile 7 (7:10 a.m. -9:19 a.m.) The Shops at Chestnut Square and Drexel University serve as a perfect backdrop and welcome as the runners enter University City. Plus, for spectators, there’s everything from fish tacos, burgers, shakes, and coffee all on one block!

34th & Chestnut Streets @ Domus — Mile 7.5 (7:10 a.m.-9:15 a.m.) University City is home to colleges, universities, science and innovation. Stop by this always energetic Cheer Zone, where some special guests are bound to pop up.

34th Street & Fairmount Avenue — Mile 8 (7:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m.) Row homes and murals are common throughout Philadelphia’s residential areas. In Mantua, one of the city’s many neighborhoods, runners will experience this before they head into the lush greens and beautiful river views of Fairmount Park.

34th Streets & Girard Avenue @ the Philadelphia Zoo — Mile 8.3 (7:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m.) Join the Philadelphia Zoo, America‘s first zoo, at this Cheer Zone and be sure to bring the kids! The Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m., just in time for you to check out the race and be the first in line. 

Please Touch Museum (West Memorial Drive & Avenue of the Republic) — Mile 10 (7:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.) This is the site of the first official World’s Fair in 1876. One of the only buildings still standing since the Fair, Memorial Hall now houses the Please Touch Museum, a museum dedicated to creating learning opportunities for children through play.

States Drive and Belmont – Mile 10.8 (7: 18 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.) Take in the 27-acres of Centennial Arboretum. Many of the trees you’ll be surrounded by were planted in 1876 for the American Centennial Exposition. Plus you can catch a glimpse of the enchanting Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, a traditional 17th century-style Japanese house and garden.

Martin Luther King Drive & Black Road – Mile 11.9 (7:20 a.m. -10:00 a.m.) A runner favorite, the Vaudevillians NYB return again for a wild and quirky time to keep runners energized.

 

FAIRMOUNT/KELLY DRIVE

Sedgley Avenue & Kelly Drive — Mile 14.3 & 25.7 (7:25 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)* Rooted in the LGBT and Ally community, the Philadelphia Freedom Band welcome all! Be prepared for all-around high spirits, tons of energy, and, if you’re lucky, a cover of your favorite Lady Gaga song.

Kelly & Fountain Green Drives — Miles 14.7 & 24.6 (7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.)* Kelly Drive is a long stretch of scenic river views and beautiful statue landmarks. Keep an eye out for the General Ulysses S. Grant statue and the “Playing Angels”, set atop 20-foot pedestals and overlooking the Schuylkill River. 

Hunting Park & Kelly Drive @ Laurel Hill Cemetery — Miles 17.2 & 22.9 (7:35 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) A 78-acre cemetery segmented into three sections, Laurel Hill lays rest to many prominent figures and is a must-see historic destination in Philly. Parking is also available at the top of the hill making it very accessible for spectators.

 

EAST FALLS

Kelly Drive & Ferry Streets — Miles 17.7 & 22.4 (7:35 a.m.-1:15 p.m.)* Come cheer with lululemon athletica! Meet them at the corner of Kelly Drive and Ferry Street for a morning jam-packed with music, dancing and cheering! Be warned, you’ll likely break a sweat before the runners do!

Ridge Avenue & Kelly Drive (Near I-76 Off Ramp) — Miles 18.3 & 21.9 (7:40 a.m.-1:15 p.m.) Cheer on the runners as they approach the historic Wissahickon Creek to enter the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia.

 

MANAYUNK

Main Street & Ridge Avenue — Miles 18.9 & 21.1 (7:40 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)* One of Philadelphia’s many charming neighborhoods, Manayunk is packed with great shopping and dining along Main Street. At this zone, you can bring a chair and stretch out. There’s plenty of music and fun to go around.

Main & Cotton Streets @ Winnie‘s LeBus — Miles 19.8 & 20.2 (7:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m.)* Every year, you can rely on Winnie and her crew to keep runners hydrated and spectators cheering all morning long. All of this certainly works up an appetite so be sure to grab a seat and a delicious, locally-sourced meal at Winnie’s LeBus Restaurant after the race.

Main & Carson Streets — Mile 20 (7:45 a.m.-12:40 p.m.) And we don’t stop! Keep the runners motivated as they round the bend back towards the finish line. Local band, Weez the Peoples, and DJ Crew, Choice Taste Selectors, will provide the good tunes.

 

Finish Line, Kelly Drive near Spring Garden Street – Mile 26.2

* Indicates a water stop location