Registration for the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, & 8K Opens April 1st

Running’s ‘Best Host City’ anticipates 25,000 participants and 60,000 spectators on race weekend, Nov. 18-20

PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2011) – Registration will open on April 1 for the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon and Rothman Institute 8K, putting into motion plans to host 25,000 competitors and 60,000 spectators on race weekend, November 18-20, in Philadelphia.  Runners can register for the three races, as well as the annual Kids Fun Run, online at www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

“We expect to jump out to a running start in anticipation of the highest registration capacity in event history,” said Melanie Johnson, executive director of Philadelphia Marathon. “We’re very excited about the planning for the 2011 edition of this popular race. Each year, we add more elements to enhance the experience for our participants as well as our spectators, and this year is going to be even better.”

The 18th annual Philadelphia Marathon, beginning at  7 a.m. on Sunday, November 20, will take runners on a 26.2-mile journey through some of the city’s most picturesque and historic areas, starting and finishing with the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the world-famous backdrop.

The Half Marathon, also stepping off at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 20, will follow the same course as the first 13.1 miles of the full marathon.  The Rothman Institute 8K will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19. All three races are USA Track & Field-sanctioned. Each begins and ends at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, making the courses friendly to spectators. Last year, participants came from all 50 states and 40 countries, attracted to the course for its scenery, relatively flat and fast terrain, and enthusiastic crowds inspired by the official race Cheer Zones.

The City of Philadelphia is the host for the November 18-20 Race Weekend, which includes a free two-day Health and Fitness Expo, Friday-Saturday, November 18-19, and on Saturday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m., the Kids Fun Run, a short-distance, non-competitive run designed for kids ages 4 to 12.

Early-bird registration, which continues through April 15, is $85 for the Philadelphia Marathon; $65 for the a Half Marathon; and $30 for the Rothman Institute 8K. The Kids Fun Run registration is $15. The complete entry fee schedule is as follows:

Philadelphia Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, November 20
April 1–15                 $85
April 16 – 30            $95
May 1–31                   $110
June 1–Nov 1*         $125
*or when registration reaches its capacity.

Philadelphia Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, November 20
April 1–15                  $65
April 16–30                $75
May 1–31                     $85
June 1–Nov 1*           $100
*or when registration reaches its capacity.

Rothman Institute 8K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, November 19
April 1–15                  $30
April 16–30                $35
May 1– 31                    $40
June 1–Nov 1*           $45
*or when registration reaches its capacity.

About 98 percent of registrants signed up online last year, however, mail-in registration also is available for a $12 processing fee. Runners can download forms from the marathon website, www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

Race packets are available for pick-up at the free Health and Fitness Expo, held in Hall A of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 18 and from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 19. Marathon and half marathon registrants will receive an official long-sleeve tech shirt, a race goodie bag and, at the finish line, a finisher’s medal; 8K registrants will receive a short-sleeve cotton T-shirt and race goodie bag. All race packets must be picked up in advance, as no race packets will be distributed on race day. (Race packets for Saturday’s 8K must be picked up on Friday.)

Registration for the Kids Fun Run, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, also is available online, as well as on-site at 9 a.m. on the day of the run. The entry fee in advance and on-site is $15. All participants receive a race T-shirt, race bib and finisher’s medal.

New this year, marathoners and half marathoners seeking training advice will have the opportunity to sign up for the Runner’s World Challenge, a training program by Runner’s World magazine offering running plans and guidance from five running coaches. For more information, visit www.runnersworld.com. In addition, MarathonGuide.com, a noted resource for marathon news and information, recently ranked the Philadelphia Marathon among the top-10 races in the United States.

“From a high-five with Mayor Michael Nutter at the starting line to an exhilarating finish near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, our marathon guarantees runners and their guests a memorable experience and maybe the best time of their lives,” Marathon Executive Director Johnson said. “Our runner-friendly course, enthusiastic spectators, 2,500 knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, community involvement, special deals and discounts around the city, weekend-long activities for the entire family, and a partnership with Runner’s World magazine are all part of making Philadelphia ‘Running’s Best Host City’ experience.”

Running’s best host city welcomes a projected 25,000 athletes to Philadelphia for a family-friendly series of events over Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend, November 18-20, 2011.  Produced and hosted by the City of Philadelphia, Marathon Race Weekend features four races in a city “born to run” — the 18th annual Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia Half Marathon, preceded by Saturday’s Rothman Institute 8K and the Kids Fun Run. Other activities to welcome runners, families, friends, spectators, businesses and residents include a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo; a free course map complete with retail discounts and promotions and about  30 spectator cheer zones. Participants pass many of Philadelphia’s famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, which is a top Boston qualifier. Take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com.