Philadelphia Marathon Guide: Route and road closures
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The 30th annual Philadelphia Marathon brings tens of thousands of runners to the city this weekend for three days of races and events.
Why it matters: It's probably not going to be a good time to drive, as the festivities will bring widespread road closures.
Driving the news: Philly's marathon, one of the largest in the nation, steps off at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway starting at 7am on Sunday.
- The half marathon and 8K are on Saturday.
- The children's run (ages 5-12) is also Saturday starting at 9am at Eakins Oval. Prepaid registration for the kid's run is closed but you can register in-person for $15.
- And a health and fitness expo runs from noon-9pm Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
👀 Where to watch: There are more than a dozen "cheer zones" for spectators.
🚨 Between the lines: Enhanced security measures will be in place.
- Everyone will be screened to enter the start and finish areas.
- The list of prohibited items includes firearms, suitcases, containers holding more than a liter of liquid and selfie sticks.
🚧 Road closures: A significant number of roadways will be closed citywide on the race routes.
- The inner lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway are closed Friday from 9:30am-2:45pm. The outbound lanes will re-open for afternoon rush hours, then close again.
- The I-676 westbound off-ramp at 22nd Street and the I-76 eastbound off-ramp at Spring Garden closes starting at 4am on Saturday and Sunday.
- Detours on the routes are scheduled to begin at 6am on Saturday and Sunday.
Plus, several SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from about 4am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
🟢 Most streets are scheduled to reopen on Saturday and Sunday by 2pm, except for Eakins Oval and parts of the parkway (5pm).
🅿️ Be smart: "No parking" regulations will be strictly enforced.
- The city will tow and relocate all vehicles parked along the race route starting at 2am on Saturday.
- Riders are encouraged to use subway, trolley and Regional Rail lines during the marathon.