Great expo! Tons of gear and at the convention center!
I ran Philadelphia because I already lived here for graduate school and the people in my running club recommended this race.
Getting to the start was easy enough because there were shuttle buses for the runners, I just had to walk about 3 blocks to a pickup spot, which was kinda scary since it was still dark. Fortunately there were tons of other runners going to a bus shuttle spot, so I wasn't alone. Once we got to the art musuem, we had to go through security (which was slow). I'm glad I got there early, so I didn't have to wait in line forever!
Freezing since it’s the Sunday before Thanksgiving (starts off in the 20s- and ends in the 40/50s).
Somewhat hilly when leaving the city, which was approximately around the 10K (6.2 mile) mark, before the 16K (10 mile) mark, and towards 32K (20 mile) mark
Booze stops along the way (approx. mile 4, 14, 19-21). I am still upset that there was a stop for margaritas and someone right before me took the last one!
Sadly, there was no after party (ex. no beer tickets, no food tickets). I wish there was a big celebration at the art museum to congratulate the runners, but I assume they don't have one because of the cold.
Tons of spectators starting at mile 16 up until the end, which went to Manayunk! The spectators really helped me out because I felt inspired and strong seeing everyone cheer me on, even though I didn't know any of them! Reading the signs was fun and kept be entertained and busy!
Not much corral control. The only good thing was that there was a delayed start for each corral, but people where still able to go between corrals.
Pacers? Yes!
No strollers! I really don't like runs that allow strollers, pets, and non-runners on the course because I feel like they just get in the way. If they remain in the back of a race, then it's one thing. But the race volunteers really need to control the corrals if they allow non-runners on the course.
Race Challenge options! Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon & 8K, Marathon/Half/8K, Half Marathon & 8K. Despite this being my first marathon, I decided to run a half-marathon the day before, which is the "Liberty Challenge"
Overall, I 100% recommend this marathon as a nice city one! The multiple challenges give people the opportunity to push themselves beyond normal means and you get bragging rights!
Race Website: Philadelphia Marathon Weekend