Philadelphia Half Marathon

The Philadelphia Half Marathon, part of the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, takes runners through the heart of the city and along the scenic banks of the Schuylkill River. The race starts and finishes near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, close to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Several out-and-back sections along the river provide extended straight segments that are well suited for maintaining a steady pace. Runners enjoy views of the river, historic boathouses along Boathouse Row, and the surrounding park landscape before returning toward the city center. The terrain is mostly flat with some rolling sections, featuring approximately 70–90 meters of total elevation gain. Wide park roads and riverside paths allow the large field of participants to spread out comfortably. The race finishes back near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where runners approach the famous museum steps, creating one of the most iconic finishes in American road racing.