The 2025 Philadelphia Marathon Course Guide - Imperial Edition (Miles & Feet)
Motownphilly’s back again.
Notes: This guide is based on a Run Ready Certified GPX file, created through a standardized process that combines official course maps, measurement certificates, and other plotting techniques. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The certified GPX file measures the course at 26.36 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate. Additionally, and as shown below, different platforms will calculate different totals from the same set of coordinates.
Enhanced versions of this guide are available on RunReady.ai:
Course Overview
The AACR Philadelphia Marathon offers a quintessential big-city race experience, celebrated for its fast, scenic, and historic course. The route provides a comprehensive tour of Philadelphia, beginning and ending near the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art.
From the start, runners journey through the heart of the city’s historic district, passing landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, before heading along the Delaware River waterfront and through the vibrant streets of South Philadelphia.
The late November race date typically delivers cool conditions that many runners find ideal for marathon performance. Based on five-year averages, expect temperatures ranging from lows around 36°F to highs near 52°F. The 7:00 AM start occurs just after sunrise, providing full daylight throughout the event. While the air will be crisp at the start line, these cool temperatures help prevent overheating during the critical early miles.
The course profile is predominantly flat, which contributes to its reputation as a fast course well-suited for personal best attempts. However, runners should prepare for some notable challenges. The middle section, from approximately mile 7.5 to 15.8, features a series of rolling hills through Fairmount Park that require strategic pacing and energy management.
After navigating this hillier segment, the course returns to flat terrain for the final 10 miles along the Schuylkill River. Here, the long, straight stretches of Kelly Drive test mental fortitude as runners push toward the grand finish back at the Museum of Art steps.
Course Stats
Event Date: November 23, 2025
Event Type: Road Marathon
GPX Course Length: 26.36 mi
Course Type: Loop
TrailScore: 46.01
Total Ascent: 647.54 ft
Total Descent: 646.85 ft
Longest Uphill:
Starting at Mile 3.87, 0.51 mi at an average grade of 0.49%
Longest Downhill:
Starting at Mile 8.26, 0.61 mi at an average grade of -2.13%
Steepest Uphill:
Starting at Mile 9.27, 0.3 mi at an average grade of 4.69%
Steepest Downhill:
Starting at Mile 11.83, 0.31 mi at an average grade of -4.53%
Significant Climbs:
There are a total of 5 significant climbs on the course.
Significant Descents:
There are a total of 5 significant descents on the course.
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 74.1%
Minor Incline: 11.2%
Minor Decline: 8.5%
Moderate Incline: 3.1%
Moderate Decline: 2.3%
Challenging Decline: 0.8%
Course Briefing
Miles 0.0-7.5 - Historic Philadelphia & University City Crossing
The AACR Philadelphia Marathon begins on Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a 7:00 AM start, just as the sun rises over the city. The initial miles are exceptionally flat and fast, taking you through Philadelphia’s historic core. You’ll trace the footsteps of history along the city’s foundational grid, passing iconic landmarks like LOVE Park and Independence Hall before heading toward the Delaware River waterfront.
This early section is all about absorbing the electric atmosphere, finding your rhythm among the dense crowds, and settling into a sustainable pace.
After a loop through South Philly, the course heads west, crossing the Schuylkill River over the Walnut Street Bridge into University City. Pacing becomes critical here—the flat, adrenaline-fueled start can tempt you to push too hard.
Trust your training, stick to your race plan, and conserve energy for the hills that lie ahead.
Key Challenges
Navigate Early Race Congestion: The downtown streets will be packed. Focus on running your own race and avoid wasting energy weaving through other runners. The pack will thin out naturally.
Resist the Early Pace Temptation: The flat, exciting start makes it easy to run faster than planned. Hold back and bank energy, not time. A disciplined start sets up a strong finish.
Significant Climbs
None.
Significant Descents
None.
Aid Stations
Columbus Boulevard (Mile 2.3)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Front Street & Washington Avenue (Mile 3.7)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
6th & Walnut Streets (Mile 5.1)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
31st & Walnut Streets (Mile 7.1)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Points of Interest
Independence Hall (~Mile 5.2): Pass by the historic site where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted.
22nd and Walnut Street Cheer Zone (~Mile 6.2) (Spectator Zone): A designated spectator zone in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood will provide an early boost.
Miles 7.5-15.8 - Rolling Through Fairmount Park
Leaving the city grid behind, the course enters its most challenging phase as it winds through the verdant landscape of Fairmount Park. This section contains nearly all of the marathon’s significant elevation changes, demanding a strategic shift from the flat opening miles.
The terrain transforms into a series of rolling hills that will test your strength as you run past the Philadelphia Zoo and through the park’s scenic drives. The longest and steepest hills of the race are concentrated in this 8-mile segment, making proper pacing essential for success.
The key is to manage your effort on the inclines, resisting the urge to power up each hill. By maintaining a steady, controlled pace through this challenging stretch, you’ll conserve valuable energy for the second half of the race.
After navigating the park’s undulating landscape, the section concludes with a long, rewarding descent back toward the Schuylkill River. This downhill stretch offers a chance to recover and regain your rhythm, positioning you perfectly for the flat and fast miles ahead.
Key Challenges
Conquer the Hills with Effort, Not Pace: This section contains four notable climbs, including the steepest of the race. Focus on maintaining a consistent effort, shortening your stride on the way up, and letting your pace slow accordingly.
Control the Descents: The downhills, particularly the sharp drop around mile 12 and the final descent to Kelly Drive, can fatigue your quads if not managed properly. Avoid aggressive braking or over-striding; aim for a controlled, quick turnover.
Significant Climbs
Climb #1: Mile 7.64 to Mile 7.85, 0.2 mi, avg grade 3.9%, total gain 42.09 ft
Climb #2: Mile 9.27 to Mile 9.58, 0.3 mi, avg grade 4.69%, total gain 75.3 ft
Climb #3: Mile 12.24 to Mile 12.34, 0.1 mi, avg grade 4.5%, total gain 24.38 ft
Climb #4: Mile 12.85 to Mile 12.95, 0.1 mi, avg grade 3.67%, total gain 19.62 ft
Significant Descents
Descent #1: Mile 8.46 to Mile 8.67, 0.2 mi, avg grade -4.26%, total drop 45.96 ft
Descent #2: Mile 9.07 to Mile 9.17, 0.1 mi, avg grade -4.49%, total drop 24.38 ft
Descent #3: Mile 11.93 to Mile 12.14, 0.2 mi, avg grade -5.71%, total drop 60.99 ft
Descent #4: Mile 15.41 to Mile 15.72, 0.31 mi, avg grade -4.63%, total drop 74.8 ft
Aid Stations
34th Street & Fairmount Avenue (Mile 8.5)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Avenue of the Republic (Mile 10.2)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Lansdowne Drive (Mile 11.8)
Offerings: Water, NUUN, XACT Energy fruit bars
Toilet: Yes
Edgley Drive (Mile 14.4)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Points of Interest
34th and Girard Avenue (Philadelphia Zoo) Cheer Zone (~Mile 8.5) (Spectator Zone): A designated spectator zone near America’s first zoo.
The Mann Cheer Zone (~Mile 10.6) (Spectator Zone): Spectator zone near the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on States Drive.
Edgely and Reservoir Drive Cheer Zone (~Mile 14.4) (Spectator Zone): A designated spectator zone as you exit the main part of Fairmount Park.
Miles 15.8-21.4 - Manayunk Out-and-Back
After descending from Fairmount Park, you’ll join the flat, scenic Kelly Drive along the river, heading northwest toward the lively neighborhood of Manayunk. The centerpiece is an out-and-back on Main Street, famous for its energetic crowds and party-like atmosphere. This wall of sound provides a huge psychological boost just when marathon fatigue might start to set in.
The terrain remains almost entirely flat, offering an excellent opportunity to settle back into a steady rhythm after the hills. You’ll encounter a short, minor climb just before the turnaround, which marks the halfway point of this segment.
Use the energy from the spectators and the sight of fellow runners heading in the opposite direction to stay motivated as you make the turn and head back toward the city center.
Key Challenges
Feed Off the Manayunk Energy: The out-and-back section can be a mental grind. Instead of zoning out, draw energy from the massive crowds. Use their cheers to lift your spirits and propel you forward.
Re-establish Your Rhythm: After the varied terrain of the park, re-establishing a consistent marathon rhythm on this flat section is critical. Lock into your goal pace and focus on efficient running.
Significant Climbs
Climb #5: Mile 19.8 to Mile 20, 0.2 mi, avg grade 2.49%, total gain 26.64 ft
Significant Descents
Descent #5: Mile 20.41 to Mile 20.61, 0.2 mi, avg grade -2.89%, total drop 31.17 ft
Aid Stations
Kelly Drive @ John B Kelly Statue (Mile 16.2)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Kelly Drive & Ferry Street (Mile 17.8)
Offerings: Water, NUUN, XACT Energy fruit bars
Toilet: Yes
Main Street & Ridge Avenue (Manayunk) (Mile 18.9)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Main & Cotton Streets (Mile 19.8)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Main & Cotton Streets (Mile 20.2)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Main Street & Ridge Avenue (Mile 21.3)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Points of Interest
Ridge & Main Street Cheer Zone (~Mile 18.9) (Spectator Zone): High-energy spectator zone at the entrance to the Manayunk out-and-back.
Miles 21.4-26.36 - The Final Push to the Art Museum
The final five miles of the marathon follow a straight path back to the finish line along Kelly Drive. This section is almost entirely flat, but its long, exposed stretch can test your mental strength as fatigue sets in. Maintaining focus and form becomes essential during these crucial miles.
You’ll run alongside the Schuylkill River, passing the historic Boathouse Row—a welcome landmark that signals the end is near and the hardest work is behind you.
The course takes a final turn onto Eakins Oval for the finishing straight. A gentle incline in the last mile offers one final test of your determination before you cross the finish line in the shadow of the magnificent Philadelphia Museum of Art—a truly iconic and rewarding conclusion to your marathon journey.
Key Challenges
Stay Engaged on Kelly Drive: This long, straight section can feel relentless. Break it down into smaller, manageable segments, focusing on landmarks like the passing bridges and Boathouse Row to stay mentally present.
Embrace the Final Climb: The last mile includes a gradual but noticeable uphill grade toward the Art Museum. Be mentally prepared for this final push. Conserve just enough energy to crest the rise and finish with strength and pride.
Significant Climbs
None.
Significant Descents
None.
Aid Stations
Kelly Drive & Ferry Street (Mile 22.3)
Offerings: Water, NUUN, XACT Energy fruit bars
Toilet: Yes
Kelly Drive @ John B Kelly Statue (Mile 24.2)
Offerings: Water, NUUN
Toilet: Yes
Points of Interest
Kelly Drive & Ferry Road Cheer Zone (~Mile 22.3) (Spectator Zone): A designated spectator zone for the return trip along Kelly Drive.
Boathouse Row (~Mile 25.7): Run past the iconic and historic series of boathouses on the Schuylkill River, signaling the finish is close.
Rocky Statue (~Mile 26.3): A popular landmark near the base of the Art Museum steps, celebrating the famous movie character.
Is there a section that is on cobblestones?
This is great. Do you have a guide for the Philly Half Marathon course? I think it covers a lot of the same ground but not sure exactly where it differs.