Masterman’s Participation in the Philadelphia Marathon

Rowan Bastien '28 and Sophia Plastaras '28

Leading up to the annual Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, the running community was full of anticipatory buzz and excitement. Elite and everyday runners from throughout the country trained relentlessly in preparation for either the marathon, half-marathon, 8K, or Children’s Run on the weekend of November 23rd. Garnering over 30,000 competitors and more than double that in spectators, including those from over 50 countries across the globe, it is consistently ranked among the top 10 largest marathons in the country. It’s no wonder the race draws so much attention worldwide—the 26.2-mile course winds through the scenic urban landscape of Philadelphia, passing through historic landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In preparation for the event, volunteers worked hard to ensure the races ran smoothly and athletes stayed energized and motivated; during the race, the streets were alive with cowbells, live bands, and tens of thousands of onlookers cheering, adorned with signs displaying humorous phrases and uplifting messages from the course’s start to finish. By the end of the weekend, profits were donated to various charities, and finishers celebrated their accomplishments with a medal, shirt, and sense of newfound pride and community.

Twenty-nine students, parents, and teachers from Masterman's Students Run Philly Style program and high school cross-country team proudly represented Masterman in the half and full marathons. Persistent in their preparation, runners managed three running sessions after school and 8 a.m. Saturday runs weekly to prepare for the race.

Before the race, those who had previously run the marathon were looking forward to the joy and passion that the spectators and runners of the race bring each year. Students Run leader and ten-time Marathon finisher, Mr. Gilligan, commented on the immense energy surrounding the runners during the race: “As you’re running towards the Schuylkill, in the Rittenhouse Area, it’s a mob. There are people lined up on the sides of the road—they have signs, they’re clapping, and they’re cheering you on, including family members, which is awesome. There’s a lot of energy, [and] you also run by so many beautiful views in Philly.”

For many members, their running experiences have provided them with new perspectives on community and effort. Kaddy Ren (‘25) stated, “When I ran the marathon two years ago, I realized the running community is so big and sweet and we all have our own challenges. We’re all doing this together.” Both Kaddy and Marisa Maisano (‘25), another long-time Students Run member, noted the positive impact running has had on them since they started training with Masterman in 7th grade. They mention the resilience, mental toughness, and love for their community that has greatly developed because of running.

For others, this was their very first experience running a race of this length and magnitude. Kayla Kelberg-Gross (‘28) was feeling both excitement and nervousness as she prepared to run the half-marathon, stating, “I never could have seen myself doing this a year ago, but Students Run has helped me improve massively in running and I’m going to keep going, [and] maybe even do the marathon next year.” What made this historic weekend so special were the runners of varying experience levels, ages, and backgrounds working towards the same goal—the surreal feeling of crossing the finish line knowing their discipline, persistence, and strength has paid off for this momentous achievement.

As the weekend came to a close, runners, spectators, and volunteers from throughout the city celebrated yet another successful Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. For all runners, crossing the finish line was a testament to the effort they have been putting in since the beginning of the season. Congratulations to all Masterman runners that competed this weekend!

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