Arch St at 10th St
Chinatown, Center City
Mile 1.3
An early look downtown under the Friendship Gate, with runners still close together.
Near Jefferson Station.
Sunday, Nov 22, 2026 · Finished · Unofficial guide
Where to Watch the Philadelphia Marathon
15 good places to cheer, how to get to each one, and when your runner comes by, and how to get to each one.
The 2026 race is over.
2027 details are coming. These spots are from 2026. Courses and access rules can change, so check the race’s site for next year.
The course line is approximate, not an exact GPS route. See the race’s 2026 course map.
Runner’s finish time
Times are estimates from the 7:00 AM start at an even pace. Corral times aren’t posted yet, and most runners pass a little later than this.
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The Spots, In Course OrderThe Spots From 2026
Columbus Blvd at Race St
Delaware waterfront, near FringeArts
Mile 2.1
A cheer spot in 2025 that the 2026 course still passes, along the waterfront.
A walk from Old City. Check septa.org for buses.
Washington Ave at Columbus Blvd
Delaware waterfront, Pennsport
Mile 3.6
A cheer spot in 2025 that the 2026 course still passes, before it turns back toward Old City.
A walk from Queen Village. Check septa.org for buses.
2nd St at South St
Headhouse Square, Society Hill
Mile 4.2
A cheer spot in 2025 that the 2026 course still passes, with cafes nearby.
A walk from Old City. Check septa.org for buses.
6th St near Walnut St
Independence Hall, Old City
Mile 5.1
A historic backdrop that is easy to walk to from Center City. The race has an aid station at 219 S 6th St.
Near 5th St/Independence Hall station.
Walnut St at 17th St
Philadelphia Runner, near Rittenhouse Square
Mile 6.2
A running shop’s own 2026 cheer zone, with noisemakers and drinks. It starts at 7:15 AM.
A few blocks from Walnut-Locust station.
Walnut St at 22nd St
Near Rittenhouse Square
Mile 6.6
One of the race’s own cheer zones in 2024, and the 2026 course still passes here. Easy to walk to from Center City.
A walk from Center City. Check septa.org for buses.
Walnut St at 32nd St
University City
Mile 7.2
Room to gather near Drexel and Penn, just past the aid station at 3025 Walnut St.
A short walk from 30th Street Station.
34th St at Mantua Ave
By the Philadelphia Zoo
Mile 8.3
Good for families, by the Zoo and the aid station at mile 8.3.
Bus 38 serves the area.
Avenue of the Republic
Carousel House, West Fairmount Park
Mile 10.2
Open parkland with room to spread out, by the aid station at mile 10.2.
Buses 38 and 43 serve the area.
Kelly Dr at Ferry Rd
Laurel Hill, East Falls
, then Miles 17.8 and 22.3
See your runner twice: about mile 17.8 going out and mile 22.3 coming back.
Near East Falls station.
Ridge Ave at Main St
Manayunk
, then Miles 18.9 and 21.3
See your runner twice: about mile 18.9 going out and mile 21.3 coming back. A neighborhood party all day.
Near Wissahickon station.
Main St at Cotton St
Manayunk, by the turnaround
Mile 20
See your runner twice, just before and just after the turnaround: the race has an aid station at 4266 Main St, at miles 19.8 and 20.2. Philadelphia Runner’s events page lists its own cheer zone a short walk further along, at 4358 Main St.
Near Manayunk station.
Kelly Dr at Boathouse Row
Lloyd Hall, by the Art Museum
Mile 25.6
The last mile before the finish, a walk from the Art Museum area.
Buses 7, 32, 38, 43 and 48 serve the Museum area and are detoured on race day.
Finish viewing areas
Eakins Oval
Mile 26.2
Two areas: north (enter from Kelly Dr at 25th St) and south (other entries, then across Eakins Oval). Not open before 8:00 AM.
Buses 7, 32, 38, 43 and 48 serve the Museum area and are detoured on race day.
Before You GoRules And Tips From 2026
- You can’t enter the secure running area before 8:00 AM on race day. Clear bags only.
- SEPTA buses near the race are detoured. Check septa.org or call 215-580-7800 before you leave.
- The race lists restrooms at the finish. It hasn’t posted any for spectators on the course, so find one before you pick a spot.
- Phones often fail near the finish. Agree on a meeting place.
- Bring a phone charger: tracking drains a phone fast.
- Clear bags only. No hard coolers, large umbrellas, props or flagpoles, selfie sticks or drones. One unopened water bottle, up to 16 oz. Only ADA service dogs.
- Track your runner live on the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend app.
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