by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – As thousands of runners, supporters and visitors head into Philadelphia for the annual Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, the city is rolling out extensive traffic restrictions to accommodate the three-day event.
With races scheduled across Saturday and Sunday, city officials are urging residents and travelers to prepare for road closures, parking restrictions and SEPTA detours beginning Friday morning and lasting through late Sunday.
The marathon festivities will center around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where all races will begin and end, and where the largest concentrations of closures are expected.
When the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Takes Place
The weekend consists of an expo and three main races: the marathon (26.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles) and 8K (nearly 5 miles).
- Half-Marathon — Saturday
Wheelchair athletes start at 6:55 a.m., followed by runners at 7 a.m.
The full course map is available on the official race website. - 8K — Saturday at 11 a.m.
Wheelchair athletes start at 10:55 a.m., runners at 11 a.m. - Marathon — Sunday
Wheelchair start at 6:55 a.m., runners at 7 a.m.
The marathon and half-marathon start at 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, while the 8K begins at 25th Street and Kelly Drive.
Families can also take part in kids’ races on Sunday at 10 a.m. at Eakins Oval. Children will receive a shirt, medal and special treats. Activities will include a magician, face painting, sports zones and other games.
Bib Pickup and Race Expo Details
Runners must pick up their bibs at the official race expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Expo hours are:
- Friday: Noon to 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants must bring a government-issued ID and their confirmation email. Officials advise avoiding large bags, which are subject to inspection.
The expo will also feature athlete talks from speakers such as Bart Yasso, Lauren Fleshman, Dakotah Popehn and others. Schedules are posted on the event’s website for attendees wishing to plan their visit.
Weekend Weather Conditions
Meteorologists predict shifting weather throughout the event.
“Showers appear likely after sunset Friday, with widespread rain moving in overnight,” local forecasters noted.
At the moment, showers may linger into early Saturday morning before tapering off around the start of the half-marathon. Despite the morning drizzle, temperatures will remain unseasonably mild near 50 degrees, rising only slightly into the low 50s by midday.
Sunday’s marathon will be dry but much colder, with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s at the start. Winds should be light, minimizing wind chill. By the time most runners finish, temperatures will approach 50 degrees under partly cloudy skies.
Full List of Road Closures Throughout the Weekend
Philadelphia will begin closing roads early Friday, and restrictions will continue through Sunday afternoon. All posted parking rules will be enforced.
Friday Closures
Beginning 9:30 a.m., the inner lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway close until 2:45 p.m., reopening briefly for rush hour. Afterward, inbound and outbound lanes from Binswanger Triangle to 20th Street remain closed for race setup.
By evening, all lanes from 22nd Street to Eakins Oval will be closed. Inbound Kelly Drive closes at 25th Street with limited local access.
Saturday Closures
Closures begin at 2 a.m. and include:
- 2000–2400 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Spring Garden Street
- 21st–23rd Streets
- 22nd Street to Park Towne Place
Additional closures occur at 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., affecting major Center City and waterfront streets such as Market, Chestnut, Columbus Boulevard, Walnut, South Street, 34th Street, and Girard Avenue. Most roads are expected to reopen by 2 p.m.
Sunday Closures
Sunday’s closures mirror Saturday’s primary routes, again beginning at 2 a.m., with additional shutdowns at 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. These include:
- Arch Street, Race Street
- Portions of Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue
- Walnut Street to 34th Street
- Girard Avenue Bridge
- Kelly Drive and the Falls Bridge
- Main Street in Manayunk
Officials anticipate reopening most streets by 3 p.m., with full access restored by 8 a.m. Monday.
Read Also: Colorado Authorities Seize Over 1,000 Pounds of Meth in ‘One of Largest’ Busts Tied to Mexico
SEPTA Bus Detours During the Marathon
Significant SEPTA bus detours will take place on Saturday and Sunday starting at 6 a.m. Many routes will bypass the closed streets, and riders are encouraged to check updated schedules.
Impacted routes include: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 38, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 47M, 48, 49, 57, 64, 124/125.
Stay Updated and Join the Conversation
With tens of thousands expected in and around Philadelphia this weekend, staying informed is crucial for both runners and residents. For more discussions, local updates and community stories, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com.
